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Mary Bisson

Mary Bisson, the first woman full Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at UB, takes an active part in furthering the roles of women in science. Participating in outreach programs for girls in middle schools, Bisson encourages them to explore the world of science. She has also helped to host several conferences showcasing women in scientific professions.

After receiving her Ph.D. from Duke University in 1976, Bisson completed postdoctoral work at the University of North Carolina and at the University of Sydney as a Queens Fellow. In 1980 Bisson came to UB as Assistant Professor, earning the rank of Associate Professor in 1986. She became the first female full Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences in 1994 and the first female Chair for the Department of Biological Sciences in 1999.

She has widely published her research on ion transport in freshwater green algae (charophytes) and their responses to salt stress in journals such as the Journal of Experimental Botany, the Journal of Membrane Biology, and Plant Cell and Environment. She served on the editorial board of Plant Physiology from 1986 to 1992 and is currently a peer reviewer for fourteen scientific journals. Bisson also served on the review boards of a number of different granting agencies including the National Science Foundation.

She has also been involved in:

  • American Association for the Advancement of Science
  • American Society of Plant Physiologists
  • Association for Women in Science
  • Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society

Bisson has served as both President and Vice-President of the local chapter of the Association for Women in Science and sat on its national board.


Affiliation(s): Biological Sciences
Record Group(s): 20
Biographical File Contains:
  • Photographs