The Laboratory of Dr. Bruce D. Hammock

Distinguished Professor of Entomology and
UC Davis Cancer Center

University of California, Davis


The biochemical basis of human and environment interactions has been the long term theme of research and training in the Hammock Laboratory.  Led by Dr. Hammock, a member of the National Academy of Science, our team of over 40 scientists and students employ a multidisciplinary, integrated approach to research that delves into basic questions of biology and biochemistry that have practical implications for improving both human and environmental health.

The work in the lab is currently focused on three areas: 
1) insect biology – focused on finding improved pest control agents through the study of the mechanism of insect development;
2) mammalian enzymology – the study of enzymes involved in foreign compound metabolism and their possible endogenous roles, and
3) analytical chemistry - developing rapid analytical methods for metabolomics and detecting environmental contaminants.

The laboratory has produced over 800 publications on a wide range of topics in entomology, biochemistry and analytical and environmental chemistry in high quality journals.  The laboratory has generated over 30 patents.  The lab is the home of the UC Davis/NIEHS Superfund Research and Training Program as well as the NIH Training Grant in Biomolecular Technology.  Lab alumni number over 65 graduates holding positions of distinction in academia, industry and government as well as over 300 postdoctorals, visiting scientists and international scholars and collaborators.  The historical research funding base is diverse and includes long terms grants from NIH, USDA, Department of Defense, UC Mosquito Research Program and many private and research foundation contracts and grants.  Two companies have been spawned to translate research advances.  Arête Therapeutics is a pharmaceutical company and Synthia LLC is a nanotechnology development company.