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Biography
My professional research interests involve examining the physiological adaptations of marine animals, or essentially, how they do what they do! This has led to a variety of interesting projects investigating animals ranging from sea urchins and anemones, to freshwater fish and even marine mammals. My current project is focused on the “lowly” zooplankton in an attempt to understand their metabolic needs in a changing ocean environment. Zooplankton represent a critical connection in the transfer of energy from phytoplankton to bigger animals. In addition, many zooplankton are the larval forms of economically valuable animals such as blue crabs and oysters.
I enjoy working with undergraduate students on these projects as they bring enthusiasm and different perspectives. Most of my student collaborators develop their own related projects, seek funding to support their efforts and then present their findings at a professional conference gaining an understanding of the complete research process. These students are then able to build on their experiences and successes as they move into the work force or pursue graduate studies as the skills gained have broad applications.
A closely related professional interest for me is the design and delivery of hands-on, experimentally driven educational materials for students at all grade levels. These projects are intended to promote inquiry based science experiences to inspire future STEM students and professionals.
I enjoy working with undergraduate students on these projects as they bring enthusiasm and different perspectives. Most of my student collaborators develop their own related projects, seek funding to support their efforts and then present their findings at a professional conference gaining an understanding of the complete research process. These students are then able to build on their experiences and successes as they move into the work force or pursue graduate studies as the skills gained have broad applications.
A closely related professional interest for me is the design and delivery of hands-on, experimentally driven educational materials for students at all grade levels. These projects are intended to promote inquiry based science experiences to inspire future STEM students and professionals.
Recent Publications and Honors
Halteman, Danielle M. and Wendy L. Ryan. In preparation. The Effect of Group Composition on the Social Behaviors of Beluga Whales (Delphinapterus leucas) in an Artificial Environment.
Ryan, Wendy L. In press. Beluga Whales: Hypothesis Development and Evaluation. Science Scope.
Ryan, Wendy L. and *Ezry St. Iago-McRae. 2016. Exploring Experimental Design: An Excel-Based Simulation Using Steller Sea Lion Behavior. Bioscene 4(1):32-38.
Ryan, Wendy L. 2003. Instructor's Manual and Test Bank to accompany Environment, 4/e, by P. Raven and L. Berg. John Wiley and Sons Publishers, Hoboken, NJ. 244 pp.
Ryan, Wendy L. 2002. Test Bank to accompany Biology, 6/e by E. Solomon, L. Berg, and D. Martin. Harcourt Brace College Publishers, Fort Worth, TX. 512 pp.
Ryan, Wendy L. In press. Beluga Whales: Hypothesis Development and Evaluation. Science Scope.
Ryan, Wendy L. and *Ezry St. Iago-McRae. 2016. Exploring Experimental Design: An Excel-Based Simulation Using Steller Sea Lion Behavior. Bioscene 4(1):32-38.
Ryan, Wendy L. 2003. Instructor's Manual and Test Bank to accompany Environment, 4/e, by P. Raven and L. Berg. John Wiley and Sons Publishers, Hoboken, NJ. 244 pp.
Ryan, Wendy L. 2002. Test Bank to accompany Biology, 6/e by E. Solomon, L. Berg, and D. Martin. Harcourt Brace College Publishers, Fort Worth, TX. 512 pp.
