Dr. William J. Edwards

Biography

Dr. William J. Edwards is Professor of Biology and Director of the Environmental Studies Program.  He came to Niagara University in 2002 from The Ohio State University where he obtained his B.S. in Biology and B.A. in Spanish and Ph.D. in Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology.  At Ohio State, he acquired his interest in the interactions of aquatic ecology and environmental fluid dynamics. He continues this research on large lakes including Lake Erie and Lake Ontario and incorporates the roles of invasive species in ecosystem.  His research is regularly published in refereed journals and has won awards including IAGLR’s Highly Cited Author Award. He incorporates undergraduates into his research program at all levels, from grant writing, field science, lab and data analysis and then presentation and publication as part of training future environmental scientists. His current research explores the role of zebra mussel beds in altering bottom roughness and nutrient dynamics in Lake Erie.  Dr. Edwards also developed Niagara’s Field Ecology program. This program emphasizes field experiences in environmental science combined with scientific communication to non-scientists through field trips to the tropics and on ships on the great lakes. His other teaching interests include terrestrial and aquatic ecology (streams and lakes), theoretical conservation ecology, and other classes within the Environmental Studies Program.  He lives in Lewiston near the Niagara River with his wife Coleen, co-instructor of the Field Ecology program, and their three children. His outside interests include National Park exploration, kayaking, and Olympic style wrestling. He is the Lew-Port Wrestling Club head coach and assistant coach at Lew-Port High School and Niagara Wrestling Club.

Past Research

• Pieklo, M., S. Martin, and W.J. Edwards. 2006. The occurrence of coronary artery disease and dioxin contamination in the Niagara River region. Eastern Colleges Science Conference.
• Martin, S, M. Pieklo, and W.J. Edwards. 2006. Sex ratio association with dioxin levels in the Niagara River region. Eastern Colleges Science Conference.
• Blecha, S., S. Percival, and W.J. Edwards. 2006. Algal and nutrient dynamics and hypoxia in central Lake Erie.; Earth Day Colloquium, University at Buffalo.
• Blecha, S., and W.J. Edwards. 2006.; The impact of the invasive Dreissena bugensis on algal and nutrient dynamics in Lake Erie: a mesocosm experiment. Niagara University Undergraduate Research Conference.
• W.J. Edwards. April 2006. The Biological State of Lake Erie. The State of Lake Erie, a summary of current research and problems for NY legislature and executives.
• Conroy, J.D., E.L. Quinlan, M.A. Thomas, D.D. Kane, W.J. Edwards, and D.A. Culver. May 2006. Sandusky subbasin (Lake Erie) hypoxia – causes, development, and consequences. Int. Assoc. Great Lakes Res. conference, Windsor, ON.
• W.J. Edwards, F. Soster, and G. Matisoff. May 2006. Influence of mayfly filtering activity on dissolved oxygen depletion. Int. Assoc. Great Lakes Res. conference, Windsor, ON.
• Kelly, S.Q., S. Rajmaira, and W.J. Edwards. 2005. Using GIS in contaminant trackdown. ESRI conference. San Diego, CA. Summer.
• Pontius, R.A., J.D. Conroy, W.J. Edwards, D.A. Culver. 2005. Excretion by invasive dreissenid mussels: evidence for changes in Lake Erie. American
• Society of Limnology and Oceanography Aquatic Sciences Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT.
• Edwards, W.J. 2005. Analysis of contaminants in Cayuga Creek. Friends of the Buffalo Niagara River sponsored community meeting.