Mary Coyne

My research interests have centered on systems physiology and spanned a range of techniques from bioassays, biochemical pathways, to monitoring individual ion channels in rat adrenal cortical cells and fish. My last research project brought me back to systems physiology in human subjects; work done in cooperation with the US Army at the Natick Soldier Systems Center, Natick, MA. In that study we tested new temperature monitoring technology using temperature biological rhythm changes during menstrual cycles in ambulant subjects as a model system and were able to pinpoint the time of ovulation when there was a dramatic drop in body temperature.

I have taught at all levels of the curriculum from Introductory Biology, Comparative Physiology, Cell Physiology, Human Biology, Vertebrate Physiology, and Endocrinology. In my role as department chair, I introduced computer data collection to the teaching labs, and as a teacher, have written computer programs for lab teaching, implemented the use of powerpoint for biological images and demonstration of biological processes, as well as computer modeling of physiological processes.

In addition, I was instrumental in the initiation of the Friends of Horticulture and the Certificate Program in Biological Art and Illustration offered through the Friends of Horticulture.

In retirement, I obtained a Certificate in Landscape Design from the Landscape Institute sponsored by Harvard Arnold Arboretum and Boston Architectural College and have designed many residential gardens as well as the Creighton Garden across from the Friends of Horticulture Complex. In addition, as part of my thesis, I made a master plan for the Wellesley College Botanic Gardens and after graduation completed a GIS map of the Botanic Gardens including the new Edible Ecosystem.

Education:

A.B. Emmanuel College, Boston
M.A. Wellesley College
Ph.D. University of Virginia, Charlottesville