Alexander Yurievich Karatayev, Ph.D. has been named director of the Great Lakes Center at Buffalo State. Karatayev left Stephen F. Austin State University (SFASU) in Texas where he has served since 2001, most recently as professor of biology. In 2005, he received the SFASU Faculty Achievement Award in Research.

His research interests include biodiversity, conservation and management of freshwater ecosystems; taxonomy, biology, ecology and productivity of benthic community; ecology, biology, parasitology and the spread of aquatic invasive species and their role in ecosystems. An impressive record of publishing and presenting his work includes 71 peer-reviewed publications and 81 presentations at scientific meetings. He belongs to several professional societies including the International Research Consortium on Molluscan Symbionts, and the International Group on Aquatic Alien Species.

Karatayev has been involved in many research collaborations with scientists throughout the world, including studies exploring the spread of zebra mussels and their role in aquatic ecosystems. He is looking forward to coming to Buffalo State because of the college's proximity to Lakes Erie and Ontario as well as its renowned Great Lakes Center with its waterfront research facilities.

At the Belarusian Academy of Science, Karatayev earned two doctoral degrees including a Ph.D. in hydrobiology.