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About Robert H. Byrne

My current research involves three principal areas of investigation: (1) the speciation and behavior of trace metals in seawater, (2) investigation of marine and riverine CO2 system chemistry and (3) development of in-situ procedures for observation of the marine environment. My work on trace metals gives special emphasis to investigations of the comparative chemistries of a variety of elements including platinum and palladium, and yttrium plus the rare earths. Other enduring interests and current research includes investigation of the aqueous behavior of iron, and the influence of acantharia on the biogeochemistry of strontium and barium. Work on CO2 system chemistry includes the development and oceanic application of novel systems for shipboard and in-situ measurements of pH, total inorganic carbon, alkalinity, and CO2 fugacity. Development of systems for in-situ measurements of metals, nutrients and CO2 system variables involves close work with a variety of colleagues at the Center for Ocean Technology (within the College of Marine Science). Previous cooperative work involving COT engineers and CMS scientists has resulted in successful mass spectrometer deployments/ observations in the upper ocean, and deployments of long pathlength spectrometers for observation of oceanic nutrient distributions to depths of 200 meters.

Positions

Present Distinguished University Professor, University of South Florida College of Marine Science
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Disciplines



Grants

2021 - 2024 Spectrophotometric Determinations of Carbonic Acid Dissociation Constants for Estuarine Conditions
National Science Foundation
Role: PI
$339,608
2020 - 2023 Characterization of aragonite and calcite solubility products in seawater using modern CO2 system measurement techniques
National Science Foundation
Role: PI
$405,933
2017 - 2022 Collaborative Research: Organic Alkalinity: Impacts of the [OTHER] Alkalinity on Estuary and Coastal Ocean Chemistry
National Science Foundation
Role: PI
$335,606
2017 - 2022 Development of Spectrophotometric pH Measurement Capabilities in Estuaries
National Science Foundation
Role: PI
$440,893
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Professional Service and Affiliations

2020 - Present Member, Executive Committee, USF Chapter, National Academy of Inventors
2017 - Present Chair, Tenure and Promotion Committee, College of Marine Science, USF
2015 - Present Member, USF Institute for Advanced Discovery and Innovation, USF
2019 - 2020 Member, College of Marine Science Dean Search Advisory Committee, USF
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Honors and Awards

  • Environmental Science & Technology — Excellence in Review Award (2015)
  • Elected Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors (2014)
  • Elected Fellow of the AAAS (2013)
  • ARCS STEM Innovation & Research Award (2013)
  • Elected Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (2012)
  • USF Excellence in Innovation Award (2012)
  • USF Distinguished Research Professor designation (1995)

Courses

  • In Situ Sensors – Theory and Practice (OCE 6934)
  • Chemical Oceanography (OCE 6050)
  • Mathematical Methods for Marine Science (OCE 6934-605)
  • Physical Chemistry of Seawater (OCE (934-609)
  • Seawater Analytical Techniques (OCE 6934-608)
  • CO2-System Measurement Methods (OCE 6934-603)

Education

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1974 Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
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1971 M.A., Boston University
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1967 M.S., DePaul University
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1964 B.S., University of Chicago
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Contact Information

Office Phone: (727) 553-1508

Email:


Articles (234)