This interview is with James Clegg, Professor Emeritus of Molecular and Cellular Biology in the College of Biological Science. Jim was appointed in 1986 as Professor and Director of the UC Davis Bodega Marine Lab (BML). He retired in 2005.
Jim’s research focused on how marine invertebrates cope with environmental stress and extreme conditions. He is a biochemist and cellular physiologist who investigated molecular chaperones and molecules that enabled organisms to survive dehydration and thermal extremes. His most favored model system was the brine shrimp, Artemia. He is well known for his theory of “structured" intracellular water and the organization of enzymes and macromolecules in the cytoplasm.
He served as the BML Director from 1986-1999. During his tenure he was responsible for construction of the newer West Wing building which greatly enlarged the footprint of BML. This included construction of the beautiful James S. Clegg Lecture Hall, a large library, and a public education room and foot print throughout the Great Hall for education and outreach. He also oversaw the establishment of the UCD Diver Training pool and expansion of the program.
Jim is interviewed by his friend and colleague Gary Cherr, Professor Emeritus, Dept. of Environmental Toxicology and Dept. of Nutrition. Gary was Director of BML from 2009-2022.
