Kerry Rouhier joined the Kenyon faculty in 2010 after working at Doane College in Nebraska as a post-doctoral associate. While at Doane she worked on several different research projects including synthesis of fluorescent compounds, small molecule detection systems and student understanding in spatial reasoning. However, by nature, she is a biochemist.
Here at Kenyon, Rouhier's lab is investigating metabolic pathways related to branched-chain amino acids. They perform techniques such as nuclear magnetic spectroscopy, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to provide a "map" of metabolic pathways within a particular biological system. Her teaching interests include introductory lecture and lab courses as well as advanced courses related to biochemistry.
Education
2008 — Doctor of Philosophy from Miami University Oxford
2003 — Bachelor of Science from Aquinas College, magna cum laude
Courses Recently Taught
CHEM 123
Introductory Chemistry Lab I
CHEM 123
This laboratory course accompanies CHEM 121 and 122 with an introduction to modern experimental chemistry. Laboratory experiments explore inorganic synthesis, molecular structure and properties, and spectroscopy, with an emphasis on laboratory safety, computerized data acquisition and analysis, and the theory of analytical instrumentation. The laboratory work is organized around individual and team projects. Communication skills are developed through proper use of a laboratory notebook. One three-hour laboratory is held per week. Corequisite: CHEM 121 or 122. Offered every fall semester.
CHEM 126
Introductory Chemistry Lab II
CHEM 126
This lab is an experimental course to accompany CHEM 124 or 243. One three-hour laboratory session will be held per week. Juniors and seniors may enroll with permission of department chair. Prerequisite: CHEM 123. Offered every spring semester.\n\nBiophysical and Medicinal Chemistry Lab sections\nLaboratory experiments involve the application of chemical principles and techniques to systems of biological and medicinal importance. Possible experiments include synthesis of aspirin, enzyme kinetics and chromatographic analysis.\n\nNanoscience Lab section\nLaboratory experiments involve the synthesis of functional materials, the analysis of their properties and the assembly of materials into working devices. Possible experiments include making solar cells, synthesis of nanocrystalline materials, quantum dots and an independent project.\n\nSpectroscopic Analysis sections\nLaboratory experiments involve quantitative analysis of materials using molecular spectroscopy, such as NMR, IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Possible experiments include identification of pharmaceutical or fragrance mixtures, polymer characterization, determination of equilibrium constants, and testing of food or drug products.
CHEM 256
Biochemistry
CHEM 256
This course is a study of the structure and function of biologically important compounds. Topics include proteins, enzymes, intermediary metabolism and electron transport with emphasis on thermodynamic and kinetic analysis of biochemical systems. Prerequisite: CHEM 232. Offered every spring semester.
CHEM 371
Advanced Lab: Biochemistry
CHEM 371
This course is an introduction to fundamental laboratory techniques in biochemistry. The focus of the course is the isolation, purification, characterization and detailed kinetic analysis of alkaline of an enzyme of interest. This course meets for one three-hour laboratory period per week. Prerequisite or corequisite: CHEM 256. Offered every spring semester.
CHEM 375
Chemical Research
CHEM 375
Section 01 (.25 unit): Students engage in independent research under the direction of a faculty mentor. The time requirement is at least three hours in lab per week. Students will learn to search literature and give professional presentations. This course also provides an introduction to scientific writing. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.\n\nSection 02 (.5 unit): This section is a prerequisite to CHEM 497 and 498. The time commitment is six to eight hours per week in lab. Students will learn to search literature and give professional presentations as well as to write scientifically. More details can be obtained from the department chair. Permission of instructor required. Offered every semester.
CHEM 475
Chemistry Research Seminar
CHEM 475
This is a required course for all chemistry majors, including those involved in independent research. The course covers topics relating to chemistry research. Weekly meetings will involve (1) searching chemistry literature, (2) analyzing primary research articles, and (3) discussing ethics, trends, funding and other issues relating to chemistry research. During the semester, students will give written and oral presentations of primary research articles. Prerequisite: senior standing. Offered every fall semester.
Academic & Scholarly Achievements
2010
Anderson, M. Wilcox, K. Guericke, M. Chu, H. Wilson, M.V. Wilson, E. Lucas, K. Holmes, A.E. Enantiodiscrimination of methamphetamine by circular dichroism using a porphyrin tweezer Chirality 2010, 22(4), 398-402.
2010
Burks, R.M. Pacquette, S.E. Guericke, M.A. Wilson, M.V. Symonsbergen, D.J. Lucas, K.A. Holmes, A.E. DETECHIP: a sensor for drugs of abuse J. Forensic Sci. 2010, 55(3), 723-727.
2007
Lucas, K. Filley, J. Erb, J. Graybill, E. Hawes, J. Peroxisomal metabolism of propionic acid and isobutyric acid in plants J. Biol. Chem. 2007, 282, 24980-24989.