Tom Hager, MS ’81

Tom Hager, a 1981 University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication graduate, wrote bestselling books that make science and medicine accessible as an author and science communicator, and was inducted into the SOJC’s Hall of Achievement in 2025.

Biography

Tom Hager (1953–2021) was a celebrated author, science communicator, and lecturer whose work made complex scientific topics accessible to readers worldwide. During his career, he wrote twelve books on health, medicine, and the history of science, along with more than 100 feature and news articles in popular and professional publications. His national recognition included the American Chemical Society’s 2017 James T. Grady–James H. Stack Award for Interpreting Chemistry for the Public.

Hager’s books reached global audiences—Demon Under the Microscope and Ten Drugs were both #1 bestsellers on Audible.com, and Ten Drugs was translated into 15 languages. The Alchemy of Air was a finalist for the National Academies Communication Award, named a Borders “Original Voices” selection, and listed among the year’s best books by Kirkus Reviews. His engaging style made him a sought-after speaker, with appearances ranging from keynote lectures at universities to presentations at science festivals, industry conventions, and community events. His expertise was featured in major media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Time, the Atlantic, NPR programs such as Science Friday, and C-SPAN’s Book TV.

A fourth-generation Oregonian, Hager earned master’s degrees in medical microbiology and immunology from Oregon Health & Science University and in journalism from the UO School of Journalism and Communication (SOJC). His early career included work as a communications intern at the National Cancer Institute, freelance medical writing, and serving as West Coast news correspondent for the Journal of the American Medical Association. In 1983, he became the founding editor of LC Magazine, a trade publication for scientists. At the University of Oregon, he edited Oregon Quarterly for a decade, served as director of communications and marketing, taught classes at the SOJC, and revitalized and directed the University of Oregon Press.