SUNY Fredonia Department of Biology

 
Study Biology at SUNY Fredonia

Department of Biology
SUNY Fredonia
205 Jewett Hall
Fredonia, NY 14063
Phone: (716) 673-3282
Fax: (716) 673-3493
Biology@fredonia.edu
Byrne photograph
 Roger A. Byrne
Professor of Biology, Department of Biology
Director of Campus Assessment and
Director of Science Education Partnership

Address, Phone, Fax:
Department of Biology, SUNY at Fredonia,
122 Jewett Hall, Fredonia, NY 14063  
Telephone: 716.673.3280
Fax: 716.673.3493

E-Mail: Roger.Byrne@fredonia.edu

Ph.D. 1988 (Zoology/Physiology)
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA.
"Physiological and behavioral responses to emersion in the freshwater bivalve, Corbicula fluminea (Müller)."
Dr. Thomas H. Dietz (LSU) and Dr. Robert F. McMahon (University of Texas-Arlington).
M.Sc. 1981 (Zoology)
The University of Dublin | Trinity College
Trinity College Dublin, College Green
Dublin 2, Ireland
"Ecological comparisons of three water bodies in the Burren District of County Clare." Dr. Julian D. Reynolds.
B.A. (Mod.) 1978 (Zoology)
The University of Dublin | Trinity College
Trinity College Dublin, College Green
Dublin 2, Ireland

Division of Effort
Teaching/Research - 50%
Administration - 50%, Director of Campus Assessment and Director of SEP
   Courses Taught
Honors Seminar; Honors Evolution; Freshman Seminar; Introductory Biology (non-majors); Environmental Biology (non-majors); Anatomy (majors and non-majors); Aquatic Biology (graduate/undergraduate); Mammalian Physiology (majors); Comparative Physiology (graduate/undergraduate); Physiological Ecology (graduate/ undergraduate); Methods of Environmental Science and other courses in Environmental Science; Graduate and Senior Seminar, Undergraduate and Graduate Research; Histology (Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, La.)
   Research Interests
My research interests revolve around how animals maintain physiological function in a variable environment. In the past I have concentrated on examining the effects of aerial exposure in freshwater bivalves, and the effects of moderate salinity changes on invasive mussels. In looking at these topics I am particularly interested in the animal’s ability to regulate ionic and acid-base homeostasis, as well as its ability to respire aerobically, even in very stressful conditions. More recently, I have begun some studies on environmental effects on embryological behavior in freshwater snails, looking at changes in response as they relate to embryological development. My work has involved collaborations with faculty and students both here at Fredonia as well as at other institutions, such as Louisiana State University and the University of Plymouth (UK).
  Links to Recent and Current Projects

Byrne, R.A., S. Rundle and J. Spicer. (2006). Effects of ambient oxygen levels on embryonic behavior in the pondsnail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Integrative and Comparative Biology 45: 1115.
   Professional Experience
2006-present Director of Science Education Partnership. SUNY at Fredonia.
2006-present Director of Campus Assessment. SUNY at Fredonia.
2005-present Professor, Department of Biology. State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia.
2005-2006 Co-Director of Campus Assessment (1/3 release). SUNY at Fredonia.
June 2005 and
June-July 2006 		Visiting Research Professor. Department of Biological Sciences, Marine Biology and Ecology Center, University of Plymouth (UK).
Collaboration with Drs. John Spicer and Simon Rundle on Developmental physiological plasticity in freshwater snails.
2004-2005 Chair, Department of Biology. SUNY at Fredonia,
2001-2004 Interim Dean of Natural and Social Sciences and Professional Studies, SUNY Fredonia.
1999-2001 Chair, Department of Biology. SUNY at Fredonia.
1999 Interim Chair, Department of Biology. SUNY at Fredonia.
1997-2005 Associate Professor, Department of Biology. State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia.
1991-1997 Assistant Professor, Department of Biology. State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia. Studying the effects of exogenous neurotransmitters on acid-base and ionic balance in unionid bivalves and on the possible role for neurotransmitters in the control of zebra mussels. General acid-base, respiratory and ion regulatory physiology of freshwater bivalves.
Summers:
1993-1998		 Visiting faculty, Department of Zoology and Physiology, Louisiana State University.
Collaboration with Dr. T.H. Dietz, Louisiana State University, on neurohormonal effects on ion regulation and acid-base balance in freshwater bivalves. Salinity effects on ion regulation in zebra mussels.
Taught Histology course.
1989-1991 Postdoctoral Fellow: University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. Brian R. McMahon, supervisor.
  • Extracellular mechanisms in the control of ventilation in freshwater bivalves (supported by Postdoctoral Fellowship).
  • Effects of emersion on acid-base balance and ionic regulation in bivalves and crustaceans (supported by NSERC operating grant to B.R. McMahon).
  • Effects of acid rain on ionic and acid-base homeostasis in freshwater bivalves (supported by World Wildlife Fund; co-PI).
    		•
       Professional Activities

    Professional Societies
    Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology (formerly the American Society of Zoologists)
    Sigma Xi
    Council on Undergraduate Research

    Professional Assignments, Honors, and Awards
    2006-present Director Science Education Partnership, SUNY at Fredonia
    2006-present Director Campus Assessment, SUNY at Fredonia
    2005-2006 Co-Director Campus Assessment, SUNY at Fredonia
    2003 Chautauqua County (NY). Matching grant for purchase of scientific equipment.
    2001 Rural Business Opportunity Grant. USDA; Participant.
    1998-2001 Member, Faculty Senate, SUNY at Fredonia.
    1996 Ad hoc reviewer for small grants program of the Great Lakes Research Consortium.
    1992,95 SUNY at Fredonia Scholastic Incentive Award to study the role of calcium in acid-base balance in freshwater bivalves; and an award to study the effects of high pH on bivalve acid-base balance.
    1992 National Science Foundation Research Opportunities for Associates Award; to join research team at Louisiana State University and study effects of neurotransmitter substances on bivalve acid-base balance.
    1992 Ad hoc panel member on NIH AREA grants; Physiology section.
    1991-1994 Campus Representative, SUNY at Fredonia, for Great Lakes Research Consortium.
    1990 University of Calgary Postdoctoral Fellowship and Research Allowance ($30,000).
       
    Ad hoc reviewer for the following journals:
    Marine Biology Physiological Zoology
    American Malacological Bulletin Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology
    Biological Bulletin Journal of the North American Benthological Society
    Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology
    Journal of Comparative Physiology
       Publications:
            Refereed articles (since 1990)
    1. Byrne, R.A. and T.H. Dietz. (2006). Ionic and Acid-Base consequences of exposure to increased salinity in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Biological Bulletin 211: 66-75.
    2. Dietz, T.H., A. S. Udoetok, J. S. Cherry, H. Silverman, and R. A. Byrne (2000). Kidney function and sulfate uptake and loss in the freshwater bivalve Toxolasma texasensis. Biological Bulletin 199: 14-20.
    3. Dietz, T.H., and R.A. Byrne. (1999). Measurement of sulfate uptake and loss in the freshwater bivalve Dreissena polymorpha using a semimicro assay. Canadian Journal of Zoology 77: 331-336
    4. Dietz, T.H., and R.A. Byrne. (1997). Effects of salinity on solute clearance from the freshwater bivalve, Dreissena polymorpha Pallas. Experimental Biology Online 2: 11.
    5. Dietz, T.H., S.J. Wilcox, R.A. Byrne and H. Silverman. (1997). Effects of hyperosmotic challenge on the freshwater bivalve, Dreissena polymorpha. Canadian Journal of Zoology 75: 697-705.
    6. Byrne, R.A. and T.H. Dietz. (1997). Acid-base balance and ion transport in freshwater bivalves. Journal of Experimental Biology 200: 457-465.
    7. Dietz, T.H., S.J. Wilcox, R.A. Byrne, J.W. Lynn and H. Silverman. (1996). Osmotic and ionic regulation of North American zebra mussels, (Dreissena polymorpha). American Zoologist: 36: 364-372.
    8. Dietz, T.H., R. A. Byrne, Harold Silverman and J.W. Lynn. (1995). Paracellular solute uptake by the freshwater zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. American Journal of Physiology (Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology) 269: R300-R307.
    9. Byrne, R.A., M.A. Burleson, N.J. Smatresk and R.F. McMahon. (1995). Respiratory and acid-base consequences of zebra mussel infestation on the valves of unionids. Canadian Journal of Zoology 73: 1489-1494.
    10. Byrne, R.A. and R.F. McMahon. (1994). Behavioral and physiological responses to emersion in freshwater bivalves. American Zoologist: 34: 194-204.
    11. Byrne, R.A. and B.R. McMahon. (1991). Acid-base and ionic regulation during and following emersion in the freshwater bivalve, Anodonta grandis simpsoniana (Bivalvia : Unionidae). Biological Bulletin 181: 289-297.
    12. Byrne, R.A., B.N. Shipman, N.J. Smatresk, T.H. Dietz and R.F. McMahon. (1991). Acid-base balance during emergence in the freshwater bivalve, Corbicula fluminea. Physiological Zoology 64: 748-766.
    13. Byrne, R.A., R.F. McMahon and T.H. Dietz. (1991). Ammonia dynamics during and after prolonged emersion in the freshwater clam Corbicula fluminea (Müller) (Bivalvia:Corbiculacea). Canadian Journal of Zoology 69: 676-680.
    14. Byrne, R.A., E. Gnaiger, R.F. McMahon and T.H. Dietz. (1990). Behavioral and metabolic responses to emersion and subsequent reimmersion in the freshwater bivalve, Corbicula fluminea. Biological Bulletin 178: 251-259.
    15. Dietz, T.H. and R.A. Byrne. (1990). Potassium and rubidium transport in freshwater bivalves. Journal of Experimental Biology 150: 395- 405.
       
        Published Abstracts (since 1990)
    1. Byrne, R.A., S. Rundle and J. Spicer. (2006). Effects of ambient oxygen levels on embryonic behavior in the pondsnail, Lymnaea stagnalis. Integrative and Comparative Biology 45: 1115.
    2. Byrne, R.A. and T.H. Dietz. (1996). Water and ion balance between intra and extracellular compartments in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Sixth International Zebra Mussel Conference Program.
    3. Byrne, R.A. and T.H. Dietz. (1995). Effects of Salinity change on blood acid-base and ion composition in the zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha. Fifth International Zebra Mussel Conference Program : 16.
    4. Byrne, R.A. and T.H. Dietz. (1994). Acid-base balance and ion transport in freshwater bivalves. American Zoologist 34: 183.
    5. Silverman, H., Chien-Sung Chiang, J.W. Lynn, R.A. Byrne, and T.H. Dietz (1993). Gill structure and its possible relationship to filtration mechanics in Dreissena polymorpha. Third International Zebra Mussel Conference Proceedings.
    6. Byrne, R.A., Neal J. Smatresk, Mark L. Burleson and Robert F. McMahon (1993). Zebra mussel infestation on valves of unionids does not affect unionid respiration or acid-base state. Third International Zebra Mussel Conference Proceedings.
    7. Byrne, R.A. (1991). Acid-base balance in freshwater bivalves. Bulletin of the Canadian Society of Zoologists 22: 29.
    8. Byrne, R.A. and B.R. McMahon. (1990). Acid-base and ion regulatory responses to environmental O2 and CO2 in a freshwater bivalve. American Zoologist 30:
    9. McMahon, B.R., S. Morris, J.I. Spicer and R.A. Byrne. (1990). Physiological responses to air exposure in the fiddler crab, Uca pugilator. American Zoologist 30:
       
       Recent Presentations
    January, 2006 POSTER, Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology -  Byrne, R.A., S. Rundle and J. Spicer. (2006). Effects of ambient oxygen levels on embryonic behavior in the pondsnail, Lymnaea stagnalis.
    Integrative and Comparative Biology 45: 1115.
       
       


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