College of Arts and Sciences Newsroom
In Memoriam: Albert Burky, professor emeritus of biology
By Dave Larsen
Albert Burky, a biology professor who taught for nearly 50 years at the University of Dayton, where he researched ecology and evolution, died Aug. 9. He was 82.
Burky joined the UD faculty in 1973 and retired in 2022 with the rank of professor emeritus. His areas of research included the physiological adaptations and energetics of natural populations of snails, clams, crustaceans and fish. His experimental approach involved measurements of growth, reproduction and metabolism, and the assessment of energy strategies in relation to environmental conditions.
In a 2021 blog story marking the announcement of Burky’s retirement, Professor of Biology Ryan McEwan called Burky a role model and mentor who shepherded a research program in UD's Department of Biology that deeply engaged UD undergraduate and graduate students in field work, lab work, data analysis and publishing. Undergraduate student researchers were contributors on more than 100 of Burky’s publications and meeting presentations.
McEwan said one “monumental aspect” of Burky’s time at UD was a series of research efforts focused on freshwater streams in the mountains of Hawaii. Over the decades, Burky made more than 100 trips to the Hawaiian Islands, often with UD undergraduate and graduate students as part of the teams.
“These projects focused on the biology of stream organisms and addressed environmental sustainability because some of the streams faced the loss of flow due to diversion for tourist development,” McEwan wrote. “With funding from the Earth Watch Institute and other sources, Professor Burky has been committed to translating his science into action, working with regional professionals to protect these streams and the local people who relied on them.”
Burky advised undergraduate students with patience and care, often serving as “a de facto walk-in clinic for students needing help selecting classes,” McEwan wrote. He also was a strong advocate and mentor for new faculty at UD.
Burky was born June 30, 1942, in Utica, New York. He held a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hartwick College and doctorate in zoology from Syracuse University. He worked at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland before starting his 49-year career at UD.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his children and their spouses: Michele (Jim) Schoen, Stephen (Colleen) Burky and Sarah (Kurt) Davis; his grandchildren: Drew, Ben and Nate Schoen; Jack, M, and Erin Burky; and Sonia, Preston, Jean Luc and Josh Davis; his sister, Barbara; many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; and Ginger, the canine companion who brought him comfort in his final years.
A celebration of life will be held Sunday, Sept. 15, at the Miami Valley Hunt and Polo Club, 2465 Keystone Club Drive, Dayton. A luncheon is at 1 p.m., with the program to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider making a memorial contribution to the A. J. Burky Fund for Experiential Learning, which will allow UD biology students to gain hands-on experience in research and work with faculty who will guide and mentor them. To make a contribution, visit the University of Dayton Giving page, select “Make a Gift Online” and type “A. J. Burky Fund for Experiential Learning (Endowment)” into the “Select Fund Designation(s)” field.