Dr. Aaron Sholders received his B.S. in Chemistry in 2001 from University of Northern Colorado. He then continued his studies at Colorado State University earning an MS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2003 and his Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2006. His dissertation work was accomplished in the lab of Professor Olve Peersen and lead to the discovery of the translocation mechanism for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase responsible for replicating picornaviral genomes.  This discovery may one day lead to the development of small molecule drug’s capable of treating infections caused by West Nile and Coxsaccie virus.  Following his doctoral work Aaron has taught a number of Biochemistry courses in both traditional and online settings.  He has received numerous awards for his work in the classroom including College of Natural Science Excellence in Undergraduate teaching, Best Teacher, and the N. Preston Davis Award for Instructional Innovation.  Aaron’s passion for teaching has also been utilized to shape curriculum for undergraduate Biochemistry courses and programs leading to the Jack E. Cermack Advising award. In addition to these activities Aaron has recently published a web-based textbook entitled “Principles of Biochemistry” and is currently working to develop multi-media tools designed to connect the 21st century student to the field of Biochemistry. 

Personally, Aaron Sholders loves and serves Jesus Christ His Lord and Savior.  He has been happily married for 17 years and currently raises three wonderful and very active boys along with their 85-pound yellow lab.  Aaron also enjoys sports and is a baseball fan.  He currently goes by the alias “The Geek” in his fantasy baseball league.  He cheers for the Rockies and has been doing so since 1993.   In addition, like most all native Coloradoans, Aaron is a Broncos fan and thoroughly enjoyed watching them in their most recent Superbowl win.    

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