International Experts on Hyperbaric Medicine to Honor UB Physiologist Claes Lundgren

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- World experts on hyperbaric medicine will convene in the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo April 15-18 for a scientific symposium recognizing University at Buffalo Professor Claes E.G. Lundgren, M.D., Ph.D., for his contributions to the field and to honor his recent appointment as SUNY Distinguished Professor.

Lundgren, who is retiring but will continue his research, is a distinguished professor of physiology and biophysics in the UB School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, and for many years directed its Center for Research and Education in Special Environments (CRESE).

He has made major contributions to the fields of respiratory medicine, hyperbaric medicine -- the medical use of oxygen at higher than atmospheric pressure -- and more recently, an artificial blood substitute.

He is one of the world's most renowned specialists in respiratory physiology in specialized environments. His research has advanced the understanding of respiratory mechanics related to breath-hold diving, breathing with diving equipment, and the design and development of improved underwater breathing equipment.

The symposium is titled "The Physiology and Pathophysiology of the Hyperbaric and Diving Environments."

Lundgren is one of the founders of CRESE, and served as director until January 2007. He holds or is a co-inventor on more than 100 patents.

David R. Pendergast, Ed.D., current director of CRESE and professor of physiology, Joseph Mollendorf, Ph.D., UB professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, and Harold Strauss, Ph.D., chair of the UB Department of Physiology and Biophysics, along with Capt. J. Murray, of Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Swiergosz, from the Office of Naval Research, and William Mints of the Naval Experimental Diving Unit, comprise the organizing committee.

The U.S. Navy is a major sponsor of Lundgren's research.

Experts from Switzerland, Norway, Croatia, Sweden, France, Canada and the U.S., in addition to the U.S. Naval Experimental Diving Unit, Naval Medical Reserve Corp. and the Office of Naval Research, will present at the symposium.

A banquet honoring Lundgren and his accomplishments will be held the evening of April 18.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB's more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.