Tommy Joe Phelps
Microbial Ecology & Physiology
Biosciences Division
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge, TN 37831-6036
Phone: (865)574-7290
Fax: (865)576-3989
phelpstj@ornl.gov
Tommy J. Phelps, Chief Scientist for Applied Research, Biosciences Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Tommy received his undergraduate degree with majors in both Chemistry and Biology from Indiana University in 1975. His Masters was in Microbiology from Virginia Tech in 1977. After a couple of years in industry, Tommy returned to the University of Wisconsin and in 1985 received his Ph.D. in Bacteriology. Tommy has more than 25 years of experience in deep subsurface microbiology and bioremediation, twenty years pioneering nanofermentation Research & Development, and more than a decade investigating methane hydrates and monitoring of tracers for deep geologic sequestration of carbon dioxide. Recent forays include multiple years of experience related to fuels from cellulosic biomass and understanding impacts from potential permafrost thawing. His research interests focus on microbial ecology in extreme environments and facilitating accomplishment of societal benefits from discoveries.
PROFESSIONAL AWARDS
American Academy of Microbiology, 2008
R&D 100 Award, 2006
Co-recipient of award for NanoFermentation, related patents, 2002-2006
Micro/Nano 25 Award, 2006
Contact person for NanoFermentation Award
ORNL Inventor Award, 2000, Process for manufacturing doped magnetites
ORNL Inventor Award, 2000, Vibration accelerated transport in subsurface media
ORNL, Lockheed Martin, Technical Achievement Award, 1998
Environmental Sciences Division, Scientific Achievement Award, 1997
R&D 100 Award, 1996
Co-recipient of award for PHOSter, related to a patent, 1996
U.S. DOE Certificate of Appreciation, 1994, Multidisciplinary DOE field research
U.S. DOE Certificate of Appreciation, 1991, Service to DOE Subsurface Science Program
Idaho National Engineering Laboratory, 1990, Certificate of Recognition. INEL Deep Microbiology Project
