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Terence W. Lucansky, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Botany
- Anatomy/Morphology
- 3171 McCarty Hall A
- (352) 392-7927/392-7929 (Voice)
- (352) 392-3993 (Fax)
- lucansky@botany.ufl.edu
Biography
Originally from Ohio I attended the University of South Carolina on a basketball scholarship, and received both a B.S. and M.S. degree in biology from that institution. I subsequently enrolled at Duke University and received my Ph.D. degree in botany upon completion of my anatomical and morphological work on the neotropical tree ferns (family Cyatheaceae).
I continue to be interested in the anatomy and morphology of tropical and subtropical ferns, and U.F.'s proximity to the tropics and the extensive fern flora of Florida (largest in the continental U.S.) provide ample research materials and the opportunity for field trips to exotic places in Central and South America (Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Venezuela, Brazil). I am also interested in the anatomy and morphology of aquatic plants and vines (lianas), and how these plants adapt anatomically and morphologically to their growth habit and habitat.
I very much enjoy teaching, and the interaction with students both informally and in my role as advisor of all botany majors.
I am also an avid golfer and tennis player and enjoy all sports, and Gainesville has an ideal climate year-round for these and many other outdoor activities.
Education
- Ph.D., Duke University, 1971
- M.S., University of South Carolina, 1967
- B.S., University of South Carolina, 1964
- M.S. Thesis Title: Comparative Physiological Studies on Flowering in Chenopodium album L.
- Ph.D. Dissertation Title: Comparative Studies of the Nodal and Vascular Anatomy of the Neotropical Cyatheaceae
Academic Positions
- Associate Professor of Botany, University of Florida
- Undergraduate Coordinator, Department of Botany, University of Florida
- Acting Chairman, Department of Botany, University of Florida
- Council Member, American Fern Society
- Records Treasurer, American Fern Society
- Assistant Professor of Botany, University of Florida
- Teaching Assistant in General Biology and Botany, University of South Carolina
Research Interests / Major Research Achievements:
My research involves comparative anatomical and morphological studies of vascular plants, with particular emphasis on ferns, aquatic plants and vines. In the past, my work has concentrated on comparative studies of tropical and subtropical ferns (especially tree ferns), as related to their taxonomy, phylogeny and ecology. Field trips to Costa Rica, Guatemala and Venezuela have enhanced the study of these plants in their native habitat. Comparative studies on aquatic plants and vines, as correlated with ecological parameters, also are research interests.
Present Research
Comparative anatomical and morphological studies of tropical and subtropical ferns, with emphasis on tree ferns and the fern flora of Florida, to solve taxonomic and phylogenetic problems. Comparative studies on native and exotic aquatic plants (especially aquatic weeds) to better understand aquatic ecosystems and allow for their improved management. Comparative anatomical and morphological studies on vines to better understand the unusual anatomical features of these plants and to correlate their structure with habit and habitat.
Present Students
Undergraduate Advisor
Courses Taught:
- BOT 2011 Plant Diversity
- BOT 3303 Introductory Vascular Plant Morphology
- BOT 5225 Plant Anatomy
- BOT 6935 Plant Microtechnique
- BOT 6938 Pteridology
Membership in Professional Organizations:
- Phi Beta Kappa
- Botanical Society of America
- American Institute of Biological Sciences
- American Fern Society
- Nominating Committee of Pteridological Scetion of Botanical Society of America
- Torrey Botanical Club
- Sigma Xi
- Who' Who in American Colleges and Universities
Grants received
- Botanical and Ecological Aspects of Aquatic Weed Control (from the Florida Department of Natural Resources) - 1972-1974 (with A.E. Lugo and D. E. Anthony)
Selected Publications
1997. Carlsward, B., W.L. Stern, W. Judd and T.W. Lucansky. Comparative
leaf anatomy and systematics in Deadrobium.
Sections Aporum and Rhizobium (Orchidacrae).
International Journal of Plant Science 158: 332-342
1994. Dickison, W., M. Hills, T. Lucansky and W. L. Stern. Comparative anatomy
and systematics of woody Saxifragaceae. Aphanopetalum Endl. Botanical
Journal of the Linnean Society 114: 167-182.
1990. Lowell, C. and T. W. Lucansky. Vegetative anatomy and morphology of Ipomoea quamoclit (Convolvulaceae). Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 117: 232-246.
1988. Hils, M., W. Dickison, T. Lucansky and W. L. Stern. Comparative anatomy and systematics of woody Saxifragaceae: Tetracarpaea. American Journal of Botany 75: 1687-1700.
1986. Lucansky, T. W. and K. Clough. Comparative anatomy and morphology of Asclepias perennis and Asclepias tuberosa subspecies rolfsii. Botanical Gazette 147: 290-301.
1986. Lowell, C. and T. W. Lucansky. Vegetative anatomy and morphology of Ipomoea hederifolia (Convolvulaceae). Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club 113: 382-397.
1985. Lucansky, T. W. Anatomical studies of Sphaeropteris and Cnemidaria (Cyatheaceae). American Fern Journal 75: 80-91.
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Last Updated 6/28/05
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