In memoriam: Daniel N. Hebert

Daniel Hebert, a faculty member of the biochemistry and molecular biology department at the University of Massachusetts Amherst for 27 years passed away on December 8, 2024. He was 62.

Hebert was born on May 6th, 1962, in Corning, New York, to Normand and Therese Hebert. He earned his Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the University of New Hampshire. Hebert then earned a Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Medical School working in the lab of Anthony Carruthers.

Daniel Hebert

Hebert pursued postdoctoral work with Ari Helenius at the Yale School of Medicine, where he demonstrated the potential of working at the nexus of cell biology and biochemistry and began his career focus on folding and quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum, or ER. In 1997, he became a faculty member at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. During his time at UMass Amherst, he mentored and trained many future researchers in his laboratory and promoted an inclusive, supportive research environment, according to a UMass obituary.

Hebert’s research focused on understanding the steps involved in cellular secretory protein maturation and degradation. He showed that carbohydrate modifications act as signals to facilitate proper folding and quality control of several proteins, specifically those secreted from the cells via the ER. His work has implications for diseases such as diabetes, lung disease, liver cirrhosis and neurodegenerative disorders.

Outside of the lab, Hebert loved learning, books and sports. He was a caring mentor who loved teaching.

He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Leah (Kelley) Hebert; their son, Dylan; and daughter, Shannon. Hebert’s family and colleagues established a graduate scholarship award in his memory.