Eric Hegg, dean of the Michigan State University College of Natural Science, was honored with The Research Corporation for Science Advancement 2025 IMPACT Award.  

This award recognizes Hegg's significant contributions to scientific understanding and practical applications in alternative energy research and bioenergetics.

“I’ve admired Cottrell Scholars in the past for their leadership and service in the science community,” Hegg said. “To be counted among these incredible recipients is truly an honor.” 

Hegg was named dean of the College of Natural Science in 2024. Previously, he served as associate dean for budget, planning, research and administration in the College of Natural Science, a position he has held since January 2020. He also served for about seven years as the director of the MSU Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center’s business operations and as the MSU subcontract lead. He joined the MSU faculty in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2006. 

Hegg's groundbreaking work on lignocellulosic biomass conversion has led to the development of a pretreatment process that efficiently separates lignin from cellulose and hemicellulose in woody biomass. This innovation not only facilitates the production of fermentable sugars for biofuels but also yields high-quality lignin suitable for creating valuable bioproducts, such as renewable chemicals and polyurethane applications.

In enzymology, Hegg has conducted pivotal studies on cytochrome c nitrite reductase, which converts nitrite, a common environmental contaminant, into ammonia. His research has provided deeper insights into the enzyme’s electron storage and distribution mechanisms, contributing to a better understanding of the global nitrogen cycle. Additionally, Hegg has explored the biosynthesis and transport of heme a, a vital component in cellular respiration and bioenergetics. 

Hegg's impact extends to various leadership roles in the DOE-funded Great Lakes Bioenergy Research Center and the DOE-funded Center for Catalysis in Biomimetic Confinement, where his collaborative efforts have helped advance bioenergy research and the development of sustainable solutions for energy production.

He has also advised the U.S. House Science, Space and Technology Committee and provided input on draft legislation. He has authored nearly 80 manuscripts and book chapters, and his lab has been supported by a variety of federal agencies including the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, U.S. Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Hegg has mentored nearly 100 students and postdoctoral researchers in his lab, including over 50 undergraduate students. In 2019, Hegg was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. 

Hegg earned his doctoral degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and his bachelor’s degree from Kalamazoo College. 

The IMPACT Award includes a $5,000 cash prize and will be presented at the 2025 Cottrell Scholar Conference, to be held July 16-18 in Tucson, Ariz. Recipients will give brief acceptance talks and will be available throughout the coming year to provide mentoring to their early career Cottrell Scholar colleagues. 

This story originally appeared on the College of Natural Science website.