Eric L. Hegg began serving as dean of Michigan State University’s College of Natural Science on September 6, 2024.

Hegg brings a wealth of experience and a dynamic vision with the college’s commitment to STEM education, research, and community engagement.

His previous role was as the Associate Dean for Budget, Planning, Research, and Administration in the College of Natural Science, a position he held since January 2020.

In addition, Hegg was part of the team that developed the college strategic plan, and he represented NatSci on numerous internal advisory boards at the university.

Dean Hegg’s research is at the interface between chemistry and biochemistry where he focuses on environmentally important processes, including biofuel production and enzymes involved in the global nitrogen cycle.

He has authored nearly 80 manuscripts and book chapters, holds 4 patents with another 3 patents pending, and his lab has been supported by funding from a variety of different organizations 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.