After serving for over 15 years as Dean of the UMD Graduate School and as UMD’s Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Administration, Dr. Hedman returned to the Department of Biology in fall 2008.  He was on leave during that fall and taught Biology 2201 (Genetics) spring semester 2009.  During fall 2009 he will again be teaching Biology 2201 and Biology 1001 (Biology and Society).  Trained in genetics and biochemistry, his research interests have spanned mitochondrial DNA in Neurospora crassa, cytogenetic effects associated with systemic lupus erythematosus, modified tRNA genes in yeast, acid stress in fish, evolutionary fish cytogenetics, and mercury bioaccumulation in aquatic littoral mesocosms.  His research has received support from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the University of Minnesota Graduate School, the United States Department of the Interior, and the Minnesota Zoological Society.

He has authored over 21 papers and has made over 29 presentations.  

As a recipient of the UMD’s Jean G. Blehart Distinguished Teaching Award, he derives great pleasure and satisfaction in the teaching of undergraduate and graduates.

Spare time is spent with his seven grandchildren, fishing, camping, recreational running, home improvement projects, growing heirloom tomatoes, and geocaching.