Cole Scholtz

Passionate and self-reliant Ph.D. graduate with strong background in medicinal chemistry, synthetic operations, and analytical assay design. Skilled in cross-functional research, data analysis, and project leadership. Articulate and personable, with strong attributes in mentorship and communication

University of Minnesota – Graduate Researcher

Partnership with Mayo Clinic – Vijay Shah, M.D. & Prof. W.C.K. Pomerantz 08/2020 to 05/2025

• Lead medicinal chemist and multi-gram synthesis (12-setp) of clinical candidates and PROTACs to support Phase I-II studies to develop novel epigenetic therapies for first-in-class treatment targeting liver inflammation and cancer. 
• Responsible for scale-up and formulation of lead drug candidates for in vivo studies as part of 12-person cross-functional collaboration in a cGMP-based environment. Resulted in pre-IND application for model compounds. 
• Development of structure activity relationships (SAR), mammalian cell-based biophysical assays (NanoBRET, CETSA, PCR), western blotting, and chromatography (LC-MS, UPLC, Chromeleon and Teledyne softwares) 
• Organized data and compound shipments between several teams (15 people) to accomplish project goals within 1 year. Developed and maintained SOPs for biophysical assays throughout projects.
• Managed complex data sets involving biophysical, physiochemical and pharmacokinetic data to optimize leads in a fast-paced environment to make go/no-go decisions based on data analysis and advanced problem solving. 
• Developed analytical techniques for hit screening (NMR, AlphaScreen, Fluorescence Polarization, Tecan systems) 
• Managed mammalian cell culture laboratory (8-people, BSL2) for equipment maintenance, lab supplies, collaborative efforts, waste disposal, and time management of space
• Developed and commercialized positron-emission topography (PET) imaging probes based on novelly selective compounds. Managed communication and secured funding for PET-based imaging probes for pilot in vivo studies. 

• Aided team of engineers in design and implementation of novel synthetic paths for fluorinated drug-like fragments (PFAS). Synthetic chemistry lead responsible for characterization (UV-Vis, NMR, HPLC, IR, ESI-MS). 
• Managed synthesis and purification of novel compounds and acted as project manager for synthetic details. Managed communication of synthetic methodology, including writing and maintaining SOPs and scientific imagery. 

Synergistic Strategies for Non-BET Bromodomain PROTACs in Pediatric Cancer 05/2022 to 08/2022

• Part of 8-person interdisciplinary team investigating novel PROTACs for pediatric brain cancer targeting novel epigenetic pathways. 
• Resulted in the discovery of synergy between two targets by screening 4 novel PROTACs against multiple cancer cell lines. Directly led to formation of grant-funded team between University of Minnesota and St. Jude. 
• Assisted in western blotting, cell viability assay (CTG, AlamarBlue), and cell growth assays with high-throughput screening (HTS) experience
• Communicated complex cell-based data sets to secure funding for next-generation research. 

Bachelor of Science – Chemistry University of Central Missouri – Summa Cum Laude

Master of Science – Chemistry University of Minnesota – Summa Cum Laude

Ph.D. in Chemistry Expected 07/24/2025