Richard Bunce

Richard Bunce is a Regents Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Oklahoma State University (OSU), holding appointments since 2020. His research focuses on organic chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and pharmacology, particularly in developing heterocyclic compounds for anticancer and antibiotic agents. He has authored over 160 papers and secured 5 patents. Bunce has trained 7 postdocs, 23 Ph.D. students, 6 M.S. students, and 80 undergraduates, emphasizing mentorship across academic levels.

His honors include the 2007 Sigma Xi Lectureship Award, 2009 Oklahoma Chemist of the Year, and 2012 Regents Distinguished Research Award. Notably, he received the 2011 Regents Distinguished Teaching Award and was recognized as an Outstanding Advisor in the College of Arts and Sciences (2001, 2006). His work spans drug synthesis, iron homeostasis in pathogens, and pH-sensitive polymer sensors.

Current research includes small-molecule inhibitors targeting bacterial iron regulation and biofilm formation. He collaborates on NIH-funded projects like 'Chemical Tools for Perturbing Iron Homeostasis in P. aeruginosa.' Bunce also serves on editorial boards for Molecules, Organic Preparations and Procedures International, and Heterocyclic Communications.

Teaching responsibilities include Organic Chemistry II, graduate research supervision, and thesis guidance. His labs focus on synthetic organic chemistry and medicinal agent design.