Department of Environmental Science and Biology: The College at Brockport

Research Outreach

Contact:

(585) 395-5975

Environmental problems are among the most urgent issues facing our civilization. In order to manage Earth's environment effectively, we must understand the processes that shape the Earth's surface, control the chemistry of our air and water, and produce the resources on which we depend.

Meet Bobby Geroux, Graduate Student working with Dr. Jacques Rinchard.

How the natural diet of lake trout affects lipid and fatty acid levels in eggs.
Lipids and fatty acids play important roles in the survival and development of lake trout. Females acquire lipids and fatty acids from their diet and pass them on to their progeny. It is known that food webs differ between lakes. Thus, the objective of this experiment is to compare lipids and fatty acids in Lake Trout eggs from the each of the five Great Lakes and Cayuga Lake (a Finger Lake). Fertilized and unfertilized eggs will be collected from each lake. Lipids and fatty acids will be extracted from unfertilized eggs. Results from each lake will be compared based on the differing food webs and prey options available to lake trout in respective lakes. Additionally, survival of fertilized eggs will be compared between lakes. This research is the basis for his master’s thesis.

About the Department

The Department of Environmental Science and Biology at the College at Brockport offers five concentration areas and two minor degree programs. Click on the following links to find out more information about our concentrations.

Recent News

Spend a month in Australia 2011 and Indonesia in 2012!

Sustaining Human Societies and the Natural Environment 2011—Australia (6 credits: An International Education Course (pdf)
NEW COURSE: OAP 4XX, Tropical Marine Ecology 2012 --Indonesia (4 credits): An International Education Course. Spend 3 weeks at the Operation Wallacea field station on Hoga Island, Wakatobi National Marine Park, Indonesia in June 2012. Week 1: Tropical Marine Ecology course. Week 2: Project work (coral or fish monitoring). Week 3: boat diving at remote locations. 4 weeks, including travel to/from the US. Open Water Scuba certification required before departure. Advanced Open Water certification preferred. Maximum enrollment = 10. Contact Dr. Haynes if interested.

Faculty in the Department get grants!

Joe Makarewicz, Environmental Science and Biology received a research grant from the Livingston County Planning Department for $18,598 for "Conesus Lake Watershed Monitoring."
Chris Norment, Environmental Science and Biology received a research award for $2,500 from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation to "Conduct Grassland Research at John White Wildlife Management Area."