This article is from the archives of the UB Reporter.
News

Lundgren honored at symposium

  • Claes Lundgren

By LOIS BAKER
Published: April 17, 2009

World experts on hyperbaric medicine convened in the Hyatt Regency in Buffalo last week for a scientific symposium recognizing UB faculty member Claes E.G. Lundgren for his contributions to the field and to honor his recent appointment as a SUNY Distinguished Professor.

Lundgren, who is retiring but will continue his research, is a Distinguished Professor of physiology and biophysics in the 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 was 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.

UB faculty members David R. Pendergast, current director of CRESE and professor of physiology; Joseph Mollendorf, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering; and Harold Strauss, chair of the Department of Physiology and Biophysics, served as members of the symposium organizing committee, along with Capt. J. Murray of Naval Sea Systems Command, Lt. Cmdr. Matthew Swiergosz of the Office of Naval Research and William Mints of the Naval Experimental Diving Unit.

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, presented at the symposium.

A banquet honoring Lundgren and his accomplishments was held on April 18.