Dr. Matthew Opdyke is an Associate Professor of Environmental Science at Point Park University (Pittsburgh, PA) where he teaches courses in ecology, botany, biological evolution, chemistry and environmental politics. His applied teaching methods motivate students to learn the founding principles of science and obtain the skills necessary to design studies in environmental science, effectively sample and measure ecological parameters and interpret complex, environmental issues.
His research expertise includes environmental chemistry, aquatic sciences and botany. Currently he is a principal investigator on two long-term projects. The Fishing Creek watershed (Columbia & Sullivan Counties, PA) project was started in 2010, with support from a Coldwater Heritage Partnership grant to develop a conservation plan based on physical, chemical and biological studies. The long-term research plan includes studying the impact of channel alteration caused by flooding on stream chemistry, aquatic macroinvertebrate communities and periphyton algae. The second long-term project is monitoring changes in wetland plant diversity and growth following the rehabilitation of a floodplain wetland at Wingfield Pines (Bridgeville, PA). This project began in 2008 and is supported by Allegheny Land Trust.Recently, a study on the application of lichens as bioindicators of air quality in southwestern Pennsylvania was completed. It was supported by a Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Wild Resource Conservation grant. This study will be repeated in 5-10 years to assess long-term changes in lichen communities. Also, a new project has started to examine the dispersion of lichens among islands in Allegheny River, Pennsylvania.
This website was developed to attract students interested in applied research experience in the environmental sciences and as a resource for others to learn more about the projects occurring within their region. Student and community participation in applied research offers many benefits such as opportunities to network with project partners, learning field techniques in environmental sampling and working together to raise awareness of conservation issues and develop solutions for environmental problems.Contact Information: Matthew R. Opdyke, PhD (Curriculum Vita) Associate Professor of Environmental Studies Point Park University 201 Wood Street Pittsburgh, PA 15222 mopdyke [at] pointpark.edu Last updated March 5, 2012. |
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Check out these three exciting projects and opportunities for involvement: 1) Fishing Creek Watershed Study 2) Lichen Diversity Survey 3) Wetland Plant Monitoring |
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