Bruce Hammock

Bruce Hammock: Distinguished Professor at UC Davis

Bruce Hammock: is a distinguished professor at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) who holds joint appointments with the Department of Entomology and Nematology and the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.13 He is known for his expertise in chemistry, toxicology, biochemistry, entomology and human health research.13

Early Life and Education

Hammock was born in 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Louisiana State University, obtaining a B.S. magna cum laude in Entomology (with minors in Zoology and Chemistry) in 1969.2 He then went on to receive a PhD in Entomology-Toxicology from UC Berkeley in 1973, studying under John Casida.2

Research and Discoveries

Throughout his career, Hammock has made significant contributions in various research areas including insect physiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and experimental therapeutics.2 Some of his notable discoveries and achievements include:

• Co-discovering a human enzyme called Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase (sEH), a key regulatory enzyme involved in the metabolism of fatty acids.13 This enzyme regulates a new class of natural chemical mediators, which in turn regulates inflammation, blood pressure and pain.13
• Founding the field of environmental immunoassay, using antibodies and biosensors to monitor food and environmental safety, and human exposure to pesticides.3
• Developing the first recombinant virus for insect control, a groundbreaking achievement in insect physiology and toxicology.3
• Discovering that regulating the degradation of insect hormone mediators is as important as biosynthesis in development, and applying this knowledge towards the development of green chemicals and the first recombinant viral pesticide.3

Awards and Honors

Hammock has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, including:

• Election to the National Academy of Sciences in 19994
• The Frasch and Spencer Awards of the American Chemical Society24
• The Alexander von Humboldt Award in recognition of the most significant advances in U.S. agriculture during a five-year period24
• The 2024 UC Davis Graduate Studies Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentoring Award1
• Induction as a Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences in 20233

Impact and Legacy

Hammock's groundbreaking research has had a significant impact on various fields, from agriculture and environmental science to medicinal chemistry.3 He has authored or co-authored over 1,400 peer-reviewed publications and holds more than 95 patents.3 Additionally, he has mentored numerous graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, many of whom have gone on to become successful scientists themselves.1