Lundgren Receives Award For Diving Research

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Internationally known University at Buffalo physiologist Claes E. Lundgren, M.D., Ph.D., has received the 1997 Albert Behnke, Jr. Award for research on diving physiology from the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.

Recipients of the highest award presented by the organization are chosen for either a single accomplishment or continued outstanding contributions to the field of undersea research or hyperbaric medicine.

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society has 2,500 members worldwide.

Results of Lundgren's research during the past 40 years have advanced basic understanding of respiratory mechanics related to breath-hold diving, breathing with diving equipment and the design and development of improved underwater breathing equipment.

A professor of physiology at UB, Lundgren also is director of the university's Center for Research and Education in Special Environments in the School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. He has been a member of the UB faculty since 1974.

While working in his native Sweden in the 1960s, Lundgren pioneered development of Nicorette gum, which now is available over-the-counter to help smokers kick the habit.

He resides in Snyder.