Dr. Roger A. Byrne
Associate Professor and Chairman of the Department

I received my bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Dublin, Ireland and my Ph. D. from Louisiana State University. My post-doctoral training was at the University of Calgary, Canada.

My research interests revolve around how animals maintain physiological function in a variable environment, and I have concentrated on examining respiratory, ionic and acid-base regulation in freshwater bivalves. Students in my lab are currently examining blood ionic and acid-base responses to hypoxia in freshwater bivalves. 

 I teach the Human Anatomy and the Mammalian Physiology courses, upper level courses in Physiological Ecology, Comparative Physiology, Aquatic Biology (team taught), and introductory courses.

 Recent publications:

• Byrne, R.A. and R.F. McMahon. (1994). Behavioral and physiological responses to emersion in freshwater bivalves. American Zoologist: 34: 194-204.
•  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.
•  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.
•  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.
•  Byrne, R.A. and T.H. Dietz. (1997). Acid-base balance and ion transport in freshwater bivalves. Journal of Experimental Biology 200: 457-465.
•  Dietz, T.H., S.J. Wilcox, R.A. Byrne and H. Silverman. (1997). Effects of hyperosmotic challenge on the freshwater bivalve, Dreissena polymorpha: The importance of potassium. Canadian Journal of Zoology 75: 697-705.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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, in press.

 You can reach me at byrne@fredonia.edu.