Susan Pagano
Associate Professor
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
585-475-7343
Office Location
Office Mailing Address
10-A190
Susan Pagano
Associate Professor
Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences
College of Science
Education
BS, State University College at Oswego; MS, State University College at Brockport; Ph.D., University of Rhode Island
Bio
Dr. Susan Smith Pagano is an Associate Professor of Biology at Rochester Institute for Technology. She teaches in the Biology and Environmental Science programs in the School of Life Sciences and has developed elective courses in Comparative Animal Physiology, Ornithology, and Animal Nutrition. Dr. Pagano is a physiological ecologist who studies the dynamic relationships between fuel utilization, physiological condition and diet quality in migrating songbirds at stopover sites, with expertise in the application of plasma metabolite profiling in birds as a field technique. Her research initiatives also include nutritional ecology with a focus on the nutritional and biochemical differences among native and invasive wild fruits, and physiological implications for birds that consume them. Recent work has focused on an assessment of refueling physiology and diet in Catharus thrushes migrating through the Braddock Bay area, and outcomes of the work have been used to inform habitat management and conservation. She is a Teacher-Scholar and has mentored over 40 undergraduate research students at RIT, in addition to several graduate students, many of whom are female and/or from traditionally under-represented groups in STEM fields. She actively publishes with students and has involved them in over 25 different conferences and symposia. In addition to her work at RIT, Dr. Pagano is a Research Associate affiliated with the Braddock Bay Bird Observatory and is Vice-President of the Board of Directors. She is actively involved in professional service and serves on two journal Editorial Boards and is an elected Council member for the Wilson Ornithological Society.
585-475-7343
Areas of Expertise
Ecophysiology
Bird Migration
Nutritional Ecology
Wildlife Management
Currently Teaching
ENVS-791
Continuation of Thesis
0 Credits
Continuation of Thesis
ENVS-798
Advanced Environmental Science Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in the Environmental Science graduate program.
ENVS-795
Environmental Science Graduate Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a graduate level, faculty-directed, student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in Environmental Science graduate program.
ENVS-790
Environmental Science Thesis
1 - 4 Credits
The thesis option will be available to environmental science graduate students only with prior written approval of program faculty. Students will submit a proposal to a faculty member who agrees to serve as the student's thesis committee chair. The proposal will describe the basic research question to be investigated and the experimental protocols to be employed. Proposals will be reviewed by the program faculty who will give permission to register for thesis credit. This course may be taken several times over the course of a student's graduate program, for variable credits. A written thesis and oral defense are required at the completion of the thesis research.
BIOL-313
Comparative Animal Physiology
4 Credits
This course is a comparative study of fundamental physiological mechanisms. It covers a broad range of organisms studied from the standpoint of evolution of functional systems, the mechanisms and morphological variations that exist to deal with functional problems posed by the environment, and the special mechanisms used to cope with extreme environments.
ENVS-298
Environmental Science Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their first three years of study.
BIOL-599
Research Based Writing
3 Credits
This course is intended for students with significant research experience to work closely with their faculty mentors to prepare a manuscript for publication or write a proposal for external funding. Students will devote significant time to writing, revision and peer review. A submission-quality manuscript or proposal is expected at the end of the semester.
BIOL-495
Advanced Biology Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
BIOL-798
Grad Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed, graduate level tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum.
BIOL-498
Advanced Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their final two years of study.
BIOL-301
Undergraduate Teaching Experience
1 - 4 Credits
This course allows students to assist in a class or laboratory for which they have previously earned credit. The student will assist the instructor in the operation of the course. Assistance by the student may include fielding questions, helping in workshops, and assisting in review sessions. In the case of labs, students may also be asked to help with supervising safety practices, waste manifestation, and instrumentation.
BIOL-298
Biology Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed tutorial of appropriate topics that are not part of the formal curriculum. The level of study is appropriate for student in their first three years of study.
ENVS-495
Advanced Environmental Science Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory or field work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their final two years of study.
BIOL-414
Animal Nutrition
3 Credits
In this course, students will explore applied topics in companion, agriculture, and wildlife animal nutrition. Emphasis will be placed on an overview of nutrient classes and methods of nutrient analysis, biological nutrient requirements and common problems arising from nutrient deficiencies, comparative digestive strategies, and specialized adaptations of animal with different feeding strategies. Class discussions will focus on reading and interpretation of primary literature and investigating applied nutritional research questions.
BIOL-444
Ornithology
3 Credits
This course will cover the major principles in ornithology from evolutionary origins to the study of physiology, flight, behavior, life history traits and conservation. Exploration of current topics in avian biology and exploration of bird diversity will be key features of the lecture and lab. Labs will introduce current techniques in applied avian research and monitoring in both the field and lab.
BIOL-295
Biology Research
1 - 4 Credits
This course is a faculty-directed student project or research involving laboratory work, computer modeling, or theoretical calculations that could be considered of an original nature. The level of study is appropriate for students in their first three years of study.
BIOL-240
General Ecology
4 Credits
This course is an introduction to population, community and ecosystem ecology, stressing the dynamic interrelationships of plant and animal communities with their environments. The course includes such ecological concepts as energy flow and trophic levels in natural communities, population and community dynamics, biogeography and ecosystem ecology.
Select Scholarship
Journal Paper
Hoh, Christina, Susan Smith Pagano, and Christopher J. Norment. "Spatial Variation in White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) Refueling Rate Near a Migratory Barrier." Wilson Journal of Ornithology 130. (2018): 891-901. Print.
Win, Shwe Sin, et al. "Anaerobic Digestion of Black Solider Fly Larvae (BSFL) Biomass as Part of an Integrated Biorefinery." Renewable Energy 127. (2018): 705-712. Print.
Oberkircher, Meghan C. and Susan Smith Pagano. "Seasonal Variation in Chronic Stress and Energetic Condition in Gray Catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia)." Auk:Ornithological Advances 135. (2017): 83-90. Web.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Chemical and Biological Research with Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Students: Ensuring a Safe and Successful Laboratory Environment." Journal of Chemical Health and Safety 23. (2016): 24-31. Print.
Pagano, Todd, et al. "Exploring Nutmeg’s Intriguing Place in History using Narrative and Project-based Approaches in the Science Laboratory." Journal of Laboratory Chemical Education 4. 1 (2016): 9-18. Web.
Pagano, Todd, et al. "Determination of Nicotine Content and Delivery in Disposable Electronic Cigarettes Available in the USA by Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry." Nicotine and Tobacco Research 18. 5 (2016): 700-707. Print.
Seewagen, Chad, Michale Glennon, and Susan B. Smith. "Does Exurban Housing Development Affect the Physiological Condition of Forest-Breeding Songbirds? A Case Study of Ovenbirds (Seiurus Aurocapillus) In the Largest Protected Area in the Contiguous United States." Physiological and Biochemical Zoology. July/August (2015): 1-. Print.
Pagano, Todd, et al. "Exploring Nutmeg’s Intriguing Place in History using Narrative and Project-Based Approaches in the Science Laboratory." Journal of Laboratory Chemical Education 4. 1 (2016): 9-18. Web.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Local site variation in stopover physiology of migrating songbirds near the south shore of Lake Ontario is linked to fruit availability and quality." Conservation Physiology 3. 1 (2015): cov36. Web.
Pagano, Todd, Annemarie D. Ross, and Susan B. Smith. "Undergraduate research involving deaf and hard-of-hearing students in interdisciplinary science projects." Education Sciences 5. 2 (2015): 146-165. Web.
Smith, Susan B., Annemarie D. Ross, and Todd Pagano. "Chemical and biological research with deaf and hard-of-hearing students: ensuring a safe and successful laboratory environment." Journal of Chemical Health and Safety 23. 1 (2016): 24-31. Web.
Pagano, Todd, et al. "Determination of Nicotine Content and Delivery in Disposable Electronic Cigarettes Available in the USA by Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry." Nicotine &Tobacco Research. (2016): ntv120. Web.
Smith, Susan B., Samantha A. DeSando, and Todd Pagano. "Value of Native and Invasive Fruit-bearing Shrubs for Migrating Songbirds." Northeastern Naturalist 20. 1 (2013): 171-184. Print.
Smith, Susan B. "A Physiological Assessment of Seasonal Differences in Spring and Autumn Migration Stopover at Braddock Bay, Lake Ontario." Condor 115. 2 (2013): 273-279. Print.
Smith, Susan B. and Peter W.C. Paton. "Long-Term Shifts in Autumn Migration by Songbirds at a Coastal Eastern North American Stopover Site." The Wilson Journal of Ornithology 123. 3 (2011): 557-566. Print.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Pagano, Susan Smith. "Native Berries for Migratory Birds." Native Plants in the Landscape Conference. Bowman's Hill Wildlife Preserve. Millersville, PA. 8 Jun. 2018. Keynote Speech.
Pagano, Susan Smith and Calvin Carrington. "Stopover Physiology of Migratory Songbirds Near the South Shore of Lake Ontario." International Ornithological Congress 2018. IOC. Vancouver, BC, Canada. 21 Aug. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Susan Smith. "Can Invasive Fruits be Nutritional Traps." Northeast Natural History Conference. Eagle Hill Institute. Burlington, VT. 14 Apr. 2018. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Susan Smith, et al. "Characterization of Antioxidant Components in Wild Fruits Consumed by Migratory Birds Using Multidimensional Fluorescence Spectroscopy and Chemometrics." Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting. Wilson Ornithological Society. Ft. Myers, FL. 10 Mar. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Susan Smith and Calvin P. Carrington. "A Multi-Year Physiological Study of Catharus Thrush Migration at Braddock Bay Bird Observatory." Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting. Wilson Ornithological Society. Ft. Myers, FL. 10 Mar. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Susan Smith, et al. "An Integrated Investigation of Thrush Stopover Biology on the South Shore of Lake Ontario." 17th Northeast Natural History Conference. Eagle Hill Institute. Cromwell, CT. 22 Apr. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Susan Smith. "Buckthorn in the New world: A Biochemical Exploration of Naturalized and Native Fruits as They Relate to Bird Migration." Invited presentation. Lund University. Lund, Sweden. 21 Sep. 2017. Lecture.
Pagano, Susan Smith. "Native Birds and Exotic Fruits: Nutritional and Physiological Links to Migrant Fueling." EEB Seminar Series. Univeristy at Buffalo. Buffalo, NY. 6 Dec. 2017. Lecture.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Nutritional Variation and Antioxidant Properties of Wild Fruits Revealed through a Fluorescence-based Method." 251st American Chemical Society National Meeting. American Chemical Society. San Diego, CA. 13 Mar. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Fit and Fat by Fruit: A Nutritional Study on Migratory Bird Frugivory." 16th Northeast Natural History Conference. Society of Northeastern Biologists. Springfield, MA. 23 Apr. 2016. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Todd, Annemarie D. Ross, and Susan B. Smith. "Ensuring a Safe and Successful Research Laboratory for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Undergraduate Students." International Chemical Congress of Pacific Basin Societies. American Chemical Society. Honolulu, HI. 15 Dec. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Carrington, Calvin and Susan B. Smith. "Effects of Fruit Nutrition and Biochemistry on the Physiological Condition of Wild Birds." 250th American Chemical Society National Meeting. American Chemical Society. Boston, MA. 17 Aug. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "The Importance of Fruit Resources for Migrating Birds during Lakeshore and Urban Stopovers: A Case Study in Western New York State." Joint Meeting of Association of Field Ornithologists/Canadian Society of Ornithologists/Wilson Ornithological Society. Acadia University. Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada, Nova Scotia, Canada. 17 Jul. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., Charmaine R. Merchant, and Allyson C. Miler. "Physiological Condition of Migrating Birds near Lake Ontario and the Importance of Fruit Resources." 15th Northeast Natural History Conference. Society of Northeastern Biologists. Springfield, MA. 19 Apr. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Seewagen, Chad, Michale Glennon, and Susan B. Smith. "Exurban Development Does Not Impact the Physiological Condition of Ovenbirds in the Adirondack Park." 15th Northeast Natural History Conference. Society of Northeastern Biologists. Springfield, MA. 19 Apr. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Oberkircher, Meghan, Calvin Carrington, and Susan B. Smith. "Seasonal Variation in Energetic Condition and Chronic Stress in Three Species of Neotropical Migratory Songbirds." 15th Northeast Natural History Conference. Society of Northeastern Biologists. Springfield, MA. 19 Apr. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Carrington, Calvin and Susan B. Smith. "Effects of Native and Non-native Fruits on Plasma Metabolites in a Captive Migratory Songbird." 15th Northeast Natural History Conference. Society of Northeastern Biologists. Springfield, MA. 19 Apr. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "New Spectroscopic Method for Characterizing the Nutritional Quality of Fruit Resources Available to Wildlife in a Western New York Habitat." 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting. American Chemical Society. Denver, CO. 26 Mar. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Todd, Annemarie D. Ross, and Susan B. Smith. "Research and Cooperative work Experiences for Deaf and hard-of-hearing Undergraduate Students in the Sciences." 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting. American Chemical Society. Denver, CO. 25 Mar. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Ross, Annemarie D., Susan B. Smith, and Todd Pagano. "Outreach and Educational Programs for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Students in the Sciences." 249th American Chemical Society National Meeting. American Chemical Society. Denver, CO. 25 Mar. 2015. Conference Presentation.
Pagano, Todd, Stephanie Schroeder, and Susan B. Smith. "Fingerprinting the Biochemical Make-up of Fruits Available to Migratory Birds via Multidimensional Fluorescence and Chemometrics." Annual Meeting of the American Ornithologists Union, the Cooper Ornithological Society, and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists. AOU/COS/CSO. Estes Park, CO. 25 Sep. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Nutritional Composition of Native and Invasive Fruits Consumed by Migrating Birds at Stopover Sites in the Western Finger Lakes Region of New York." Annual Meeting of the American Ornithologists Union, the Cooper Ornithological Society, and the Society of Canadian Ornithologists. AOU/COS/SCO. Estes Park, CO. 24 Sep. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Ross, Annemarie D., Susan B. Smith, and Todd Pagano. "Developing an Inclusive Environment for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Students in Undergraduate Research Programs." National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. ACS. San Francisco, CA. 11 Aug. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Ross, Annemarie D. and Susan B. Smith. "Conducting Scientific Research with Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Undergrads." Biennial Conference on Chemical Education. Grand Valley State University. Allendale, MI. 5 Aug. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B. "Fruit Chemistry of Native and Invasive Plants and the Physiological Implications for Migratory Birds." Wilson Ornithological Society Annual Meeting. WOS. Newport, RI. 31 May 2014. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B. "The New Silent Spring? Climate Change and Invasive Species as Threats to Migratory Birds." Science Today Lecture. SUNY College at Oswego. Oswego, NY. 28 Apr. 2014. Lecture.
Smith, Susan B. "The New Silent Spring? Climate Change and Invasive Species as Threats to Migratory Birds." Biology Department Fall Seminar Series. SUNY College at Geneseo. Geneseo, NY. 14 Nov. 2014. Lecture.
Ross, Annemarie D., Susan B. Smith, and Todd Pagano. "Encouraging Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Students in Undergraduate Research at the Interface of Chemistry and Biology." National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. ACS. Dallas, TX. 16 Mar. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Ross, Annemarie D., Susan B. Smith, and Todd Pagano. "Academic Benefits of the Online ACS Climate Change Toolkit for Deaf and Hard-of-hearing Students." National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. ACS. Dallas, TX. 16 Mar. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Assessing the Nutritional Impact of Invasive Fruits on Migrating Songbirds." 13th Northeast Natural History Conference. Association of Northeastern Biologists. Springfield, MA. 14 Apr. 2013. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Comparison of the Nutritional and Antioxidant Properties of Native and Introduced Fruits." American Chemical Society Spring 2013 National Meeting. American Chemical Society. New Orleans, LA. 9 Apr. 2013. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B, Allyson C. Miller, and Todd Pagano. "Seasonal and Site Differences in Refueling Rates of Songbirds During Migration Stopover Near the South Shore of Lake Ontario." 5th North American Ornithological Conference. University of British Columbia. Vancouver, BC. 17 Aug. 2012. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B, et al. "Nutritional Value of Native and Invasive Fruits for Migrating Songbirds in the Western Finger Lakes Region of New York." 5th North American Ornithological Conference. University of British Columbia. Vancouver, BC. 16 Aug. 2012. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B. "The Nutritional Ecology of Birds During Migration: Applications of Plasma Metabolite Profiling." Environmental Studies Speaker Series. Alfred University. Alfred, NY. 21 Sep. 2012. Guest Lecture.
Smith, Susan B., et al. "Chemical Composition and Nutritional Quality of Native and Invasive Wild Fruits in Western New York." 243rd American Chemical Society National Meeting and Exposition. American Chemical Society. San Diego, CA. 27 Mar. 2012. Conference Presentation.
Smith, Susan B. "Migration Timing and Climate Change in the eastern U.S." Northeastern Natural History Conference. Association of Northeastern Biologists. Albany, NY. 7 Apr. 2011. Conference Presentation.
Journal Editor
Pagano, Susan Smith, ed. Condor:Ornithological Applications. Chicago, IL: American Ornithological Society, 2018. Print.
Pagano, Susan Smith, ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: Eagle Hill Institute, 2018. Print.
Pagano, Susan Smith, ed. Condor: Ornithological Applications. Chicago, IL: American Ornithological Society, 2017. Print.
Pagano, Susan Smith, ed. Condor: Ornithological Applications. Chicago, IL: American Ornithological Society, 2016. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: Eagle Hill Institute, 2016. Print.
Pagano, Susan Smith, ed. Condor: Ornitholgical Applications. Petaluma, CA: Central Ornithology Publication Office, 2015. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: Eagle Hill Institute, 2015. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Condor: Ornithological Applications. Petaluma, CA: Central Ornithology Publication Office, 2014. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: Eagle Hill Institute, 2014. Print.
Pagano, Susan Smith, ed. Condor:Ornithological Applications. Petaluma, CA: American Ornithological Society, 2013. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: Eagle Hill Institute, 2013. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: Eagle Hill Publications, 2012. Print.
Smith, Susan B., ed. Northeastern Naturalist. Steuben, ME: The Humboldt Field Research Institute, 2011. Print.