[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 7 (Tuesday, January 12, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING BRUCE HAMMOCK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 12, 2021

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Bruce Hammock and 
his exemplary interdisciplinary career. He has been a legendary figure 
in his field for over four decades and his efforts have made critical 
advancements in our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, non-
addictive solutions to managing chronic pain, and environmental 
conservation.
  Dr. Hammock's recent research on regulatory enzyme inhibitors and 
their effect on neuroinflammation has reshaped the way we understand 
both the cause and cure of the degenerative disease. Alongside his UC 
Davis team, Dr. Hammock partnered with Baylor University as well as 
other researchers across the globe to study soluble epoxide hydrolase 
(sEH) and its effect on the brains of mice. Dr. Hammock's study found 
that inhibiting sEH may offer a new pathway to reduce neuroinflammation 
and neurodegeneration; leading to a breakthrough in recognizing the 
potential benefits of sEH inhibitors in Alzheimer's treatment.
  Groundbreaking research is nothing new in the world of Dr. Hammock. 
He is currently a distinguished professor at UC Davis in the Department 
of Entomology and Nematology and part of the UC Davis Comprehensive 
Cancer Center. During his time at the university Hammock has been at 
the helm of the Superfund Research Program for over three decades--a 
government-funded program focused on finding solutions to the complex 
health and environmental issues linked with the nation's hazardous 
waste sites.
  In addition to his invaluable contributions to science, Dr. Hammock 
has taken up another admirable charge--to make science and learning 
fun. Every year he and his lab organize a water balloon fight between 
faculty and students on the lawn of UC Davis' Briggs Hall where other 
labs and bystanders join in on the action. This event is a small 
glimpse into Hammock's unique character--one described by colleagues as 
enthusiastic, creative, and hard-working.
  Dr. Hammock's limitless drive and curiosity contribute both to the 
stellar reputation of UC Davis as an esteemed research institute and 
California's 3rd Congressional District as a whole. We wish him all the 
best in his endeavors and look forward to seeing all that he 
accomplishes in the future.

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