Professor
Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Sciences
Biography
Dr. Whyte is a specialist in the field of plant ecology and studies invasive plants, particularly in wetland systems.
Courses
- Contemporary Issues in Biology
- Forest Ecology and Dendrology
- General Botany
- Wetlands Ecology
- General Ecology
- Water Pollution Biology
Recent Publications
- Whyte, R.S., J. Holomuzki, and D.M. Klarer. 2008. Wetland plant and macroinvertebrate recovery in Phragmites australis - dominated stands after herbicide (Habitat®) treatment. Verh. Internat. Verein. Limnol. 30, Part 5.
- Whyte, R.S., Dawn Trexell-Kroll, Robert Shields, David M. Klarer, and David A. Francko. 2008. The Invasion and Spread of Phragmites australis during a Period of Low Water in a Lake Erie Coastal Wetland. Journal of Coastal Research Special Issue 1(55):111-120.
Research Involving Students
On Lake Erie, students are studying the impact of the invasive grass Phragmites australis on bird fledgling success. A second project involves the assessment of wetlands in southwestern Pennsylvania. Through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a digital database is being built that is directly accessible to the public. Information from the database may be used to better evaluate the benefits and impacts of these wetlands to the region.
- B.S.: Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
- M.En.S.: Environmental Science, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Miami University
- Ph.D.: Botany, Miami University