Charles Boylen
Professor of Biology
Associate Director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute
Education and Training
B.A. Indiana University - Bloomington
Biological Sciences
1964
M.S. University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bacteriology
1967
Ph.D. University of Wisconsin – Madison
Bacteriology
1969
Postdoctoral Associate, Life Detection Branch, NASA-Ames Research Center
1969-1971
Postdoctoral Associate, University of Wisconsin - Madison
1971-1972
Contact
E-mail: boylec@rpi.edu
Website: http://www.rpi.edu/~boylec
Tel: (518) 276-8430
Fax: (518) 276-2696
Office: Materials Research Center Rm. 201
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street
Troy, NY12180
Research Interests
Anthropogenic impacts on freshwater ecosystems, nutrient eutrophication, invasive aquatic species (Eurasian watermilfoil)
The Northeast is represented by numerous ecosystems experiencing early stages of adverse anthropogenic stress. This region has a unique glaciated topography within which exists several types of fragile ecosystems. My research interests lie in understanding the role and activities of organisms in nature. My research is important in understanding how ecosystems function and how they are altered by human interaction with the environment. Current research interests involve studies of physiological responses of microorganisms and aquatic angiosperms to environmental stress. One project involves an investigation of acid-stressed, freshwater environments in the Adirondacks of upstate New York. The effects of acidic precipitation on primary productivity and the biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and sulfur (major components of acid rain) are being studied.
A second research area involves the ecological alteration of regional lakes (specifically Lake George) by the introduction of exotic, invasive aquatic plant species, most notable being the Eurasian water milfoil. The ecology of this species and the mechanisms by which it out-competes native species is my lab's current emphasis. The fundamental goal of these programs has been to document, predict, and mitigate the human impact on these various ecosystems, with the intent that solutions can be developed which will be more universally applied.
Selected Publications
Percent, S.F., M.E. Frischer, P.A. Vescio, E.B. Duffy, V.Milano, M.McLellan, B.M. Stevens, C.W. Boylen and S.A. Nierzwicki-Bauer. 2008. Bacterial community structure of acid impacted lakes: What controls diversity? Accepted with revision October 2007 to Applied and Environmental Microbiology.
Lawrence, G.B., J.W. Sutherland, C.W. Boylen, S.A. Nierzwicki-Bauer, B. Momen, B.P. Baldigo, and H.A. Simonin, 2007. Acid rain effects on aluminum mobilization clarified by inclusion of strong organic acids. Environmental Science and Technology 41:93-98.
Sullivan, T,J., B.J. Cosby, A.T. Herlihy, C.T. Driscoll, I.J. Fernandez, T.C. McDonnell, C.W. Boylen, S. A. Nierzwicki-Bauer, and K.U. Snyder. 2007. Assessment to the extent to which intensively-studied lakes are representative of the Adirondack region. Water Air and Soil Pollution 185:279-291.
Boylen, C.W., L.W. Eichler, J.S. Bartkowski and S.M. Shaver. 2006. Use of Geographical Information Systems to monitor and predict non-native aquatic plant dispersal through north-eastern North America. Hydrobiologia 570:243-248.
Momen, B., G.B. Lawrence, J.W. Sutherland, L.W. Eichler, J.P. Harrison, S.A. Nierzwicki-Bauer and C.W. Boylen. 2006. Trends in summer chemistry linked to productivity in lakes recovering from acid deposition in the Adirondack Region of New York, USA. Ecosystems 9:1306-1317.
Howe, E.A., L.W. Eichler, C.W. Boylen. 2004. Augmentation of a long-term lay-monitoring program for Lake George, NY by citizen volunteers. Journal of Lake and Reservoir Management 20:121-129.
Boylen, C.W., L.W. Eichler, J. Bartkowski, and S. Shaver. 2002. Exotic plant dispersal through Northeastern North America. In M-H. Montel (ed.) 11th EWRS International Symposium on Aquatic Weeds, European Weed Research Society, Moliets et Maa, Landes, France.
Eichler, L.W., E.A. Howe, C.W. Boylen. 2000. The use of stream delta surveillance as a mechanism for early detection and control of Eurasian watermilfoil. Journal Aquatic Plant Management 39: 81-85.
Eichler, L.W., J.D. Madsen, and C.W. Boylen. 1999. Loss of native aquatic plant species in a community dominated by Eurasian watermilfoil. Hydrobiologia 415: 207-211.
Momen, B., J.P. Zehr, C.W. Boylen, and J.W. Sutherland. 1999. Determinants of summer nitrate concentration in a set of Adirondack lakes, New York. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 111: 19-28.
