716 George Lynn Cross Hall
770 Van Vleet Oval
Norman, OK 73019-6131
rtanner@ou.edu
Education:
B.S. Microbiology, University of Massachusetts, 1975
M.S. Microbiology, University of Illinois, 1977
Ph.D. Microbiology, University of Illinois, 1982
Research Microbiologist, Celanese Chemical Co., Inc., 1982-1983
Senior Research Microbiologist, Rohm & Haas Co., 1983-1986
Research areas:
Applied Microbial Physiology, Anaerobic Microbiology, Bioenergy
Research interests:
The laboratory’s research currently focuses on bioenergy, including bioethanol, biobutanol, biohydrogen and methane. I’ve had experience in these areas in both the private and academic sectors since 1975 (and have the world’s most continuous experience with techniques for modern anaerobic microbiology). Related applied research areas include disinfectants/biocides, water/wastewater microbiology and water treatment, and microbially-influenced corrosion. Another outcome of this work has been the discovery and microbial systematics of a number of new species and genera of bacteria, with publications since 1977.
Recent publications:
Liu, K., H.K. Atiyeh, R.S. Tanner, M.R. Wilkins and R.L. Huhnke. In press. Fermentative production of ethanol from syngas using novel moderately alkaliphilic strains of Alkalibaculum bacchi. Bioresource Technology.
Maune, M.W. and R.S. Tanner. In press. Anaerobaculum hydrogeniformans sp. nov., a novel anaerobe that produces hydrogen from glucose. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology.
Caldewell, M.E., T.D. Allen, P.A. Lawson and R.S. Tanner. 2011. Tolumonas osonensis sp. nov., isolated from anoxic freshwater sediment. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology 61:2659-2663.
Lawson, P.A., T.D. Allen, M.E. Caldwell and R.S. Tanner. 2011. Anaerobes: a piece in the puzzle for alternative biofuels. Anaerobe 17:206-210.
Saxena, J. and R.S. Tanner. 2011. Effect of trace metals on ethanol production from synthesis gas by the ethanologenic acetogen, Clostridium ragsdalei. Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology 38:513-5221.
