Hazel Barton

Hazel Barton is the Loper Endowed Professor of Geological Sciences at the University of Alabama. Her research focuses on microbial interactions in cave environments, with over 100 publications and two co-edited books: Women in Microbiology and Lechuguilla Cave: Discoveries in a Hidden Splendor. She explores caves on six continents and has advised numerous students. Her work is funded by major institutions like the NSF, NIH, NASA, and the National Park Service. Her research integrates microbiology, geochemistry, and planetary science, addressing topics like subsurface life, CO₂ sequestration, and astrobiology analog environments.

Dr. Barton’s awards include the NSF CAREER Award, NSS Science Award, and recognition as a Kavli Fellow. She actively contributes to caving communities, serving as National Speleological Society Vertical Training Commission Education Coordinator and authoring Basic Vertical Techniques. Her interdisciplinary projects span from developing antimicrobial coatings to studying extremophile viruses in Europa analog systems. She advocates for women in science through roles in the American Society for Microbiology and has been featured in National Geographic, BBC, and other media.

• Research Themes: Cave microbiology, biogeochemical cycling, planetary analog systems, microbial engineering.
• Key Collaborations: NASA (astrobiology), NIH (antimicrobial materials), USGS (cave hydrology).
• Public Engagement: IMAX film Journey into Amazing Caves, frequent media features, and caving expeditions.