UC Davis Distinguished Professor Bruce Dupree Hammock, known for his significant work in chemistry, toxicology, biochemistry, entomology and human health research, died on January 5 in Davis at the age of 78. Hammock was a member of the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis since 1980 and also held a joint appointment with the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Hammock’s research led to recognition from the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors, along with numerous professional awards. He was widely respected by colleagues and students for both his scientific contributions and his commitment to mentoring.
“Bruce Hammock’s groundbreaking contributions to insect physiology, toxicology, pharmacology, and experimental therapeutics have been recognized internationally, but here at UC Davis we also had the privilege of knowing him firsthand as a dedicated mentor, an outspoken advocate for students and faculty, and a generous and beloved colleague,” said Chancellor Gary S. May.
“I was especially proud to present Bruce with the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award in Innovation as part of the Chancellor’s Innovation Awards in 2020, and to later celebrate his recognition as recipient of the 2024 Graduate Studies Distinguished Graduate and Postdoctoral Mentoring Award,” May added. “We are all better for having had Bruce as a member of our community for 46 years. I am deeply grateful for his enduring commitment to our campus, which helped shape who we are today and will continue to impact us in the years to come.”
Joanna Chiu, professor and chair of the Department of Entomology and Nematology at UC Davis remarked: “We lost a legend. Bruce will not only be remembered as a uniquely brilliant and extraordinary scientist and thinker, but also a kind and generous individual and a fierce supporter of his mentees and colleagues. We will miss him dearly.”
Lynn Kimsey, distinguished professor emerita who directed the Bohart Museum of Entomology for 34 years said: “Bruce was the backbone of the department for decades. His lab, students and staff were internationally recognized, coming up with landmark discoveries, including increasing the efficacy of pesticides and understanding the toxic effects, the biochemistry of inflammation, and novel pain treatments, among other things. Despite multiple honors and recognition, Bruce was a humble man, always willing to help and collaborate.”
Hammock is credited with co-discovering soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), an enzyme involved in breaking down regulatory fatty acids in humans. His five decades of research on sEH inhibitors led to drug discoveries targeting pain management as well as diseases such as kidney disease, traumatic brain injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. In 2011 he co-founded EicOsis Therapeutics with an aim to develop safer treatments for chronic pain.
His career included extensive study on health risks associated with pesticides; mycotoxins; bioterror agents; dietary chemicals; environmental contaminants such as microplastics; directing multidisciplinary programs funded by federal agencies; supporting scholars across several colleges; teaching courses ranging from biochemistry to pharmaceutical development; publishing about 1300 research articles; securing around 80 patents; winning international awards including those from Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in Agriculture.
Born August 13th 1947 in Little Rock Arkansas where his parents worked as postal worker (father) & encyclopedia salesperson (mother), he graduated magna cum laude from Louisiana State University before earning his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley under John Casida’s mentorship.
Colleagues recall both personal warmth & scientific rigor—Walter Leal noted their time teaching together shaped his own approach while Keith Wing emphasized Hammock’s persistence & academic productivity: “The inspiration to do sound science in entomology…was started by working with Bruce…I could always count on him to have an interesting & scientifically sound discussion…His drive…to benefit society & patients worldwide has been a true inspiration.”
Guodong Zhang described Hammock’s open-mindedness toward new ideas: “Bruce was most excited by ‘unexpected data,’…He consistently encouraged us to design experiments that could disprove his favorite hypotheses.” Kin Sing Lee highlighted how outdoor activities like kayaking fostered meaningful interactions beyond science.
Other mentees including Weicang Wang (now assistant professor at Purdue University) emphasized how Hammock inspired them toward real-world impact: “He inspired me to think beyond publications…and focus on science that genuinely helps people.” Yuxin Wang praised Hammock’s compassion: “His kindness…and steady encouragement meant more than I can fully express.”
Hammock is remembered by many across disciplines not only for pioneering research but also shaping generations through mentorship during nearly five decades at UC Davis.
