Dr. Robert S. Whyte
- B.S.: Fisheries and Wildlife, Michigan State University
- M.En.S.: Environmental Science, Institute of Environmental Sciences, Miami University
- Ph.D.: Botany, Miami University
Dr. Whyte is a specialist in the field of plant ecology and studies invasive plants, particularly in wetland systems.
- Contemporary Issues in Biology
- Forest Ecology and Dendrology
- General Botany
- Wetlands Ecology
- General Ecology
- Water Pollution Biology
- 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.
- Department of Biological & Environmental Sciences
- B.S. Environmental Studies
- B.S. Biology
Environmental Camp at Presque Isle
Dr. Robert Whyte takes students along as he studies non-native species' effect on native plants, bugs, birds and mammals around Thompson Bay at Presque Isle State Park, on the shores of Lake Erie. Read the report in the Erie Times-News.
"I enjoy being in the classroom during the school year and the opportunity to be in the field during the summer for research. It is all the more enjoyable, as I am able to directly involve students in this work and extend their learning experience outside the classroom."