Steven B. Broyles,
Professor
Steven B. Broyles,
Professor
| Room: | 231 Bowers Hall |
| Phone: | 607-753-2901 |
| E-mail : | broyles@cortland.edu |
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, B.S.
University of Georgia, M.S., Ph.D.
My current research interests involve examining (1) patterns of hybridization and introgression in milkweeds, (2) patterns of postglacial migration in temperate forest herbs, and (3) pollination and reproductive biology of flowering plants. I have worked extensively on milkweeds (Asclepias) and to some extent on trillium (Trillium). Other research interests include violets (Viola), Canada mayflower (Maianthemum), and partridgeberry (Mitchella repens). I have utilized a wide variety of field and laboratory techniques which include observations and tests of pollinator foraging studies, microscopic analysis of pollen on pollinators, mating system analysis using allozymes, and PCR analysis of cpDNA for hybridization and seed dispersal studies. Several undergraduate students have participated in various aspects of these studies and have been recognized as coauthors on published reports (see below).
Trained primarily as a plant biologist, my teaching interests encompass a wide spectrum of biological and scientific interests. Most recently, I have taught Introduction to Environmental Studies. This course examines many aspects of human interaction with the environment. Students in this course gain firsthand knowledge of several innovative technologies and visit the Waste-to-Energy facility in Jamesville, NY, the DeLaval Dairy in Preble, NY, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge, and the state-of-the-art Cortland Wastewater treatment plant. In addition, students examine the current issues of considerable public debate (e.g., use of Genetically Modified Organisms, Community Fluoridation, and PCBs in the Hudson River) through a simulated public forum. Field Biology is taught at the College’s Outdoor Education Center at Raquette Lake in the Adirondacks. This course provides practical experience to students in the Adolescence Education Program and Recreation and Leisure studies. Students participate in numerous taxonomic and experimental activities including dendrochronology, limnology, digital photography, and recording of natural sounds. Field Natural History has a similar emphasis as in Field Biology, but it is directed toward students with a more limited experience in biological sciences. Additional activities include construction of birdhouses, bird feeders, surveying amphibian diversity, and examining patterns of migration animals. Ornithology is taught occasionally during the winter/spring semester at Cortland. Students study the avian evolution, physiology, anatomy, and flight. The second half of the course is devoted to field studies and identification of local birds. Local field trips include Montezuma NWR to observe migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, and Derby Hill to observe hawk migration. On exceptional highlight of the course is our trip to Cape May NJ during the final week of classes. During this two-day excursion we see nearly 150 marvelous species of shorebirds, waterfowl, and songbirds.
My family keeps home life bustling with activity. My sons (Chris, age 11; and Cory, age 8) are avid hockey players. We frequently travel on Saturdays and Sundays for five months of the year to their hockey games throughout central NY and sometimes into Canada. Chris is an agile forward and Cory is a smart-thinking goalie. My wife has retired from teaching at SUNY Cortland to pursue her Ph.D. in the Plant Cell Molecular Biology Program at Cornell University. This has opened many new avenues of study for her as she struggles through the trials of graduate school again.
Outside of research and teaching, I enjoy gardening, biking, golf, and birding. I play with milkweeds and unusual flowers in my garden (Brugmansia and Penstemon) during the summer months. I enjoy coaching little league baseball and interacting with young and mature people in nature.
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