Terrence Gardner

Terrence Gardner serves as a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Biology at Morehouse College, actively engaged with the Science Education Alliance-Phage Hunters Advancing Genomics and Evolutionary Science (SEA-PHAGES) program. During Fall 2023, he instructed BIO 111L Cell & Molecular Biology - Phage Hunters, an in situ phage discovery course utilizing Mycobacterium smegmatis as host bacteria, with 20 students meeting twice weekly for 4 total laboratory hours.

His research integrates experimental microbiology with genomic analysis, specializing in bacteriophage isolation, characterization, and evolutionary genomics. As a SEA-PHAGES faculty member, he implements structured protocols for phage discovery, bioinformatics annotation, and collaborative genomic investigations, emphasizing undergraduate research immersion in authentic scientific processes.

Dr. Gardner mentors students through comprehensive phage lifecycle analysis—from environmental sample collection to genome sequencing—using SEA resources including the Phage Discovery Guide and Genome Exchange platform. His instructional approach aligns with national symposia and workshops (e.g., 2025 Phage Discovery Workshop), fostering community-driven advances in phage-based education.