This research extends into considering how certain nonfood plants can be modified to help resolve the current energy crisis and supply for the future. Additionally, he is investigating how the nutritionally and medicinally important (related) lignins are formed; these are used currently in preventing and treating cancer.
As a newly named Regents Professor, Lewis points to his research team for his continued success. “Laurence Davin, Diana Bedgar, Mike Costa and Terri Lincoln have been with us for a long time and they are our key personnel,” said Lewis. “They deserve recognition.”
Lewis also is widely recognized for his record of undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral training. He says he is proud of every single person he has mentored, from those who have gone on to international research acclaim to those who found happiness out of academia. One can only imagine.
About the awards
The Regents professor promotion honors the highest level of international distinction in the discipline that raises university standards through teaching, scholarship and public service.