Terry C Hazen

Terry C Hazen serves as a UT/ORNL Governor's Chair Professor with joint appointments across multiple departments at the University of Tennessee. He holds positions in the Tickle College of Engineering's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as well as the College of Arts and Sciences' Departments of Microbiology and Earth and Planetary Sciences. Additionally, he is affiliated with the Genome Science and Technology program and the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education.

• BS with honor, Interdepartmental Biology, Michigan State University, 1973
• MS Interdepartmental Biology, Michigan State University, 1974
• Ph.D. Microbial Ecology, Wake Forest University, 1978

Hazen is an environmental biologist specializing in bioremediation and bioenergy, with research focusing on how naturally occurring bacteria can break down and detoxify hazardous materials. His work includes developing bacterial methods for detecting pollutants and monitoring environmental health. His research spans microbial ecology in contaminated environments, wastewater surveillance for pathogens including SARS-CoV-2, and groundwater remediation technologies. Hazen directs an active research laboratory with multiple graduate students and research associates investigating environmental microbiology and biotechnology applications.

Analysis of Hazen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on microbial responses to environmental contaminants, particularly in subsurface and groundwater systems. His work integrates omics approaches with traditional environmental engineering to understand microbial community dynamics in contaminated environments. Key research themes include wastewater surveillance for public health monitoring, bioremediation of nitrate and metal contaminants, and microbial responses to oil spills and other hydrocarbon pollution.

• ASM Award for Environmental Research
• Highly Cited Researcher recognition

Hazen leads multiple research projects funded through his Governor's Chair position, collaborating extensively with Oak Ridge National Laboratory. His laboratory trains numerous graduate students across multiple disciplines, with current advisees working on topics ranging from microbial ecology in contaminated aquifers to wastewater-based epidemiology. Hazen has established significant research infrastructure including field testing sites and advanced microbiological analysis capabilities. His team has developed innovative approaches for environmental monitoring and remediation, with applications in water quality protection and public health surveillance.