Lyubov E. Burlakova, Ph.D.

Lyubov Burlakova became a member of the Great Lakes Center in September 2007. She has over 35 years of research experience and over 15 years of teaching experience. Before coming to Buffalo State, she served as a Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor at Stephen F. Austin State University (Texas), Research Ecologist at the NY State Museum, and as an Assistant Professor and Senior Scientist at the Belarusian State University (Belarus, Minsk).

Understanding the factors affecting diversity and abundance of freshwater benthic communities and their long-term trends is one of the major topics of Dr. Burlakova’s current research. She and Dr. Karatayev study the spatial and temporal trends in benthic communities of Laurentian Great Lakes (Burlakova et al., 2014; Burlakova et al, 2018; Mehler et al., 2020; Burlakova et al., 2022a, b), Lake Mendota (WI) (Karatayev et al, 2012; Spear et al., 2022), and a century of change in the mollusc community of Oneida Lake (Karatayev et al, 2014). The effect of invasive species on benthic communities is an important focus of Dr. Burlakova’s past and current research. She studied the distribution, population dynamics, biology, ecology, and ecosystem effects of the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga mussel (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis), widely recognized among the most widespread and influential freshwater invaders throughout the northern hemisphere, in Europe and in the Great Lakes. Together with her long-term collaborator and husband, Alexander Karatayev, and their colleagues, she published several review papers on these Ponto-Caspian molluscs (Karatayev et al., 1994; 1997; 1998; 2002; Karatayev and Burlakova, 1995; 2022a, 2022b in press, Burlakova et al., 2022, in press), and reviews on other important aquatic invaders (Asian clam, Corbicula fluminea, Golden mussel, Limnoperna fortunei, and Island applesnail, Pomacea insularum).

Freshwater mussels in family Unionidae are considered the most endangered group of animals in North America; however, their current conservation and taxonomic status, habitat requirements, and population trends are poorly understood, as well as the factors affecting their abundance and distribution. Since 2004, Karatayev and Burlakova surveyed all major drainages in Texas in order to characterize the patterns of diversity, biogeography and conservation priorities for Texas mussels (Burlakova et al, 2011 a, b). These surveys provided data for the listing of 15 Texas unionid species as state threatened and endangered in 2010; one species (Popenaias popeii) has been declared in 2018 as the first federally endangered freshwater mussel species in Texas. In 2018, they described a new endemic Texas species, Cyclonaias necki (Burlakova et al., 2018), which together with 5 other Central Texas species were proposed for federal listing in 2021, and revised taxonomic status of other rare and endemic species in Texas (Lopes‐Lima et al., 2019; Burlakova et al., 2019; Porto-Hannes et al., 2019; Teixeira et al., 2020) and conservation status of freshwater mussels in Europe (Lopes‐Lima et al., 2016). To develop conservation strategies to sustain existing native mussel populations in the Great Lakes, together with Dr. Zanatta (Central Michigan State University) and colleagues from 11 other institutions located in five Great Lakes states, Burlakova and Karatayev surveyed species and genetic diversity of unionids and the effect of dreissenids in coastal refuges in lakes Erie and Ontario (Burlakova et al., 2014, Zanatta et al., 2015; Bossenbroek et al., 2018), and recently studied hybridization in Great Lakes mussel species (Porto-Hannes, 2021).

Dr. Burlakova has presented her research at numerous national and international conferences, reviewed manuscripts for numerous scientific journals, and organized special sessions on aquatic invasive species at regional and international meetings. She has been an editor of special issues in Hydrobiologia (2018, 2022) and in the Journal of Great Lakes Research (2018), and was invited to join the Editorial Board of the latter journal in 2021. As an Adjunct Associate Professor at Buffalo State, Dr. Burlakova supervises graduate and undergraduate students, and has previously taught graduate courses in Biostatistics and Biological Data Analysis, Conservation Biology, Population Biology, and Biological Experimental Design and Analysis.

 

Research Interests

• Ecology and diversity of freshwater benthic communities
• Aquatic invasive species: Ecology, spread, and role in ecosystems
• Biodiversity and conservation of freshwater molluscs Family Unionidae
• Growth, reproduction, parasitology, spread, and ecology of zebra and quagga mussels and their role in aquatic ecosystems

 

Education

• Ph.D., Aquatic Biology, Institute of Zoology, Belarusian Academy of Sciences, Belarus, Minsk, 1998
• M. Sc., Biophysics, Belarusian State University, Belarus, Minsk, 1985

 

Employment and Experience

2014 – Present: Senior Research Scientist, Great Lakes Center, Research Foundation of SUNY, SUNY Buffalo State University, Buffalo, New York

2007 – Present: Adjunct Associate Professor, Biology Department, SUNY Buffalo State University, Buffalo, New York

2007–2014: Research Scientist, Great Lakes Center, Research Foundation of SUNY, SUNY Buffalo State University, Buffalo, New York

2001–2007: Adjunct Professor, Research Scientist, Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas

2001: Research Ecologist, University of the State of New York Museum Field Research Lab

1998–2000: Assistant Professor, General Ecology Department, Biology Faculty, Belarusian State University

1997–1998: Senior Scientist, Laboratory of Aquatic Ecology, Biology Faculty, Belarusian State University

1996–1997: Visiting Assistant Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison

1996–1997: Senior Scientist, Department of Aquatic Ecology, Lakes Research Laboratory, Geography Faculty, Belarusian State University

1994–1996: Scientist, Department of Aquatic Ecology, Lakes Research Laboratory, Geography Faculty, Belarusian State University

1992–1994: Junior Scientist, Department of Aquatic Ecology, Lakes Research Laboratory, Geography Faculty, Belarusian State University

1985–1992: Junior Scientist, Biophysics Department, Physics Faculty, Belarusian State University

 

Grants/contracts received (principal investigator and co-PI, last 5 years)

2022–2028: Watkins J., L. Rudstam, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and A. Hrycik. Great Lakes Biology Monitoring Program: Zooplankton, Mysis, and Benthic Components. GLRI, U.S. EPA. $6,750,000 ($3,040,000 for BSU).

2021–2023: Burlakova, L. E., and L. Rudstam. Great Lakes Long-Term Biological Monitoring. U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. Sub-award Amendment. $287,676 (for BSU). 2021-2022.

2017–2022: Rudstam, L., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and J. Watkins. Great Lakes Long-term Biological Monitoring Program. U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. $5,999,903 ($2,700,000 for BSU).

2017–2022: Molloy, D., and L. Burlakova. The Natural Enemies of Dreissenid Mussels: An update of the seminal monograph published in 1997. Hudson River Foundation. $65,200.

2017–2021: Burlakova, L. E., and A. Y. Karatayev. DNA Barcode Reference Library: Mollusca, Annelida, and minor phyla. U.S. EPA Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. $400,000.

 

Professional publications and presentations

Peer-review Publications: 145; Presentations at Scholarly Meetings and Invited Talks: 123; Papers in Proceedings: 11; Reports: 16; Published Abstracts: 216

 

Selected reviewed publications (last 15 years)

Burlakova, L. E., D. K. Padilla, A.Y. Karatayev, D. N. Hollas, L. D. Cartwright, and K. D. Nichol. 2010. Differences in population dynamics and potential impacts of a freshwater invader driven by temporal habitat stability. Biological Invasions 12(4): 927-942.

Mastitsky, S. E. A. Y. Karatayev, L. E.Burlakova, and B. V. Adamovich. 2010. Non-native fishes of Belarus: diversity, distribution, and risk classification using the Fish Invasiveness Screening Kit (FISK). Aquatic Invasions 5(1): 103-114. Available online (PDF).

Molloy, D. P., L. Giamberini, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, J. R. Cryan, S. L. Trajanovski, and S. P. Trajanovska. 2010. Investigation of the endosymbionts of Dreissena stankovici with morphological and molecular confirmation. Chapter 23 in G. van der Velde, S. Rajagopal and A. bij de Vaate (eds), The Zebra Mussel in Europe. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden/Margraf Publishers, Weikersheim. p. 227-238.

Karatayev, A.Y., L. E. Burlakova, and D. K. Padilla. 2010. Dreissena polymorpha in Belarus: history of spread, population biology, and ecosystem impacts. Chapter 9 in G. van der Velde, S. Rajagopal and A. bij de Vaate (eds), The Zebra Mussel in Europe. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden/ Margraf Publishers, Weikersheim. p. 101-112.

Mastitsky, S. E., A. Y. Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, and D. P. Molloy. 2010. Parasites of exotic species in invaded areas: does lower diversity mean lower epizootic impact? Diversity and Distributions 16: 798–803.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, V. A. Karatayev, and D. Boltovskoy. 2010. Limnoperna fortunei vs. Dreissena polymorpha: Population densities and benthic community impacts of two invasive freshwater bivalves. Journal of Shellfish Research 29(4): 975-985.

Karatayev, A. Y., S. E. Mastitsky, D. K. Padilla, L. E. Burlakova, and M. M. Hajduk. 2011. Differences in growth and survivorship of zebra and quagga mussels: size matters. Hydrobiologia 668(1):183-194.

Burlakova, L. E., Karatayev, A. Y. Karatayev, V. A., M. E. May, Bennett, D. L., and Cook, M. J. 2011. Endemic species: contribution to community uniqueness, effect of habitat alteration, and conservation priorities. Biological Conservation 144: 155–165.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, V. A. Karatayev, M. E. May, D. L. Bennett, and M. J. Cook. 2011. Biogeography and conservation of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in Texas: Patterns of diversity and threats. Diversity and Distributions. 17: 393-407.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, S. E. Mastitsky, D. K. Padilla, and E. L. Mills. 2011. Contrasting rates of spread of two congeners, Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena rostriformis bugensis, at different spatial scales. Journal of Shellfish Research 30(3): 1–9.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, and V. A. Karatayev. 2012. Invasive mussels induce community changes by increasing habitat complexity. Hydrobiologia 685(1): 121-134.

Karatayev, A. Y., T. D. Miller, and L. E. Burlakova. 2012. Long-term changes in unionid assemblages in the Rio Grande, one of the World’s top 10 rivers at risk. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. 22(2): 206-219.

Burlakova L. E., D. Campbell, A. Y. Karatayev, and D. Barclay. 2012. Distribution, genetic analysis and conservation priorities for rare Texas freshwater molluscs in the genera Fusconaia and Pleurobema (Bivalvia: Unionidae). Aquatic Biosystems 8(1):12. Open Access article. DOI: 10.1186/2046-9063-8-12.

Karatayev, A. Y., S. E. Mastitsky, L. E. Burlakova, V. A. Karatayev, M. M. Hajduk, and D. B. Conn. 2012. Exotic molluscs in Great Lakes host epizootically important trematodes. Journal of Shellfish Research. 31(3):885-894.

Lucy, F. E., Karatayev, A. Y., and L. E. Burlakova. 2012. Predictions for the spread, population density, and impacts of Corbicula fluminea in Ireland. Aquatic Invasions 7 (4):465–474. DOI: 10.3391/ai.2012.7.4.003.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, J. Vander Zanden, R. C. Lathrop, and D. K. Padilla. 2013. Change in a lake benthic community over a century: evidence for alternative community states. Hydrobiologia 700:287–300.

Molloy, D. P., D. A. Mayer, M. J. Gaylo, J. T. Morse, K. T. Presti, P. M. Sawyko, A. Y. Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, F. Laruelle, K. C. Nishikawa, and B. H. Griffin. 2013. Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CL145A – A biopesticide for the control of zebra and quagga mussels (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae). Journal of Invertebrate Pathology 113 (2013): 104–114. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2012.12.012

Molloy, D. P., D. A. Mayer, M. J. Gaylo, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, K. T. Presti, P. M. Sawyko, J. T. Morse, and E. A. Paul. 2013. Non-target trials with Pseudomonas fluorescens strain CL145A, a lethal control agent of dreissenid mussels (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae). Management of Biological Invasions 4(1): 71–79. Open Access article. DOI: 10.3391/mbi.2013.4.1.09.

Karatayev, V. A., Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, and D. K. Padilla. 2013. Lakewide dominance does not predict the invader species for dreissenids. Journal of Great Lakes Research 39(4): 622–629. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2013.09.007.

Randklev, C.R., E.T. Tsakiris, M.S. Johnson, J. Skorupski, L.E. Burlakova, J. Groce, and N. Wilkins. 2013. Is False Spike, Quadrula mitchelli (Bivalvia: Unionidae), extinct? First account of a very-recently deceased individual in over thirty years. The Southwestern Naturalist 58: 247-259.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, and D. K. Padilla. 2014. General Overview of Zebra and Quagga Mussels: What We Do And Do Not Know. In T. F. Nalepa and D. W. Schloesser (eds.) Quagga and Zebra Mussels: Biology, Impacts, and Control. 2nd Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp. 695-703.

Mayer, C. M., Burlakova, L. E., Eklöv, P., Fitzgerald, D., Karatayev, A. Y., Ludsin, S. A., Millard, S., Mills, E. L., Ostapenya, A. P., Rudstam, L. G., Zhu, B., and Zhukova, T. V. 2014. Benthification of Freshwater Lakes: Exotic Mussels Turning Ecosystems Upside Down. In T. F. Nalepa and D. W. Schloesser (eds.) Quagga and Zebra Mussels: Biology, Impacts, and Control. 2nd Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp. 575-586.

Lucy, F. E., Burlakova, L. E., Karatayev, A. Y., Mastitsky, S. E., Zanatta, D. T. 2014. Zebra Mussel Impacts on Unionids: A Synthesis of Trends in North America and Europe. In T. F. Nalepa and D. W. Schloesser (eds.) Quagga and Zebra Mussels: Biology, Impacts, and Control. 2nd Edition. CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL. pp. 623-646.

Mastitsky, S. E., A. Y. Karatayev, and L. E. Burlakova. 2014. Parasites of aquatic exotic invertebrates: identification of hazards posed to the Great Lakes. Human and Ecological Risk Assessment. 20: 743-763.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, C. Pennuto, and C. Mayer. 2014. Changes in Lake Erie benthos over the last 50 years: historical perspectives, current status, and main drivers. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 40: 560-573. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.02.008.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, C. Pennuto, J. Ciborowski, V. A. Karatayev, P. Juette, and M. Clapsadl. 2014. Twenty-five years of changes in Dreissena spp. populations in Lake Erie. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 40: 550-559. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.04.010.

Snyder, R. J., L. E. Burlakova, A.Y. Karatayev, and D. B. MacNeill. 2014. Updated Invasion Risk Assessment for Ponto-Caspian Fishes to the Great Lakes. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 40: 360-369. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.03.009.

Pennuto, C. M., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, J. Kramer, A. Fisher, and C. Mayer. 2014. Spatiotemporal characteristics of nitrogen and phosphorus in the benthos of nearshore Lake Erie. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 40(3): 541-549. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2014.02.013.

Karatayev, V. A., Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, and L. G. Rudstam. 2014. Eutrophication and Dreissena invasion as drivers of biodiversity: a century of change in the mollusc community of Oneida Lake. PLOS ONE 9(7): e101388. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101388.

Burlakova, L.E., Tulumello, B.T., Karatayev, A.Y., Krebs, R.A., Schloesser, D.W., Paterson, W.L., Griffith, T.A., Scott, M.W., Crail, T., and D.T. Zanatta, 2014. Competitive replacement of invasive congeners may relax impact on native species: interactions among zebra, quagga, and native unionid mussels. PLoS ONE. 9(12). E114926. DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0114926.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, and D. K. Padilla. 2015. Zebra versus quagga mussels: a review of their spread, population dynamics, and ecosystem impacts. Hydrobiologia. 746 (1): 97-112. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-014-1901-x.

Karatayev, A.Y., Burlakova, L.E., Mastitsky, S.E., and D. K. Padilla. 2015. Predicting the spread of aquatic invaders: insight from 200 years of invasion by zebra mussels. Ecological Applications 25: 430–440. DOI: 10.1890/13-1339.1.

Zanatta, D.T., Bossenbroek, J.M., Burlakova, L.E., Crail, T., de Szalay, F., Griffith, T.A., Kapusinski, D., Karatayev, A.Y., Krebs, R.A., Meyer, E.S., Paterson, W.L., Prescott, T.J., Rowe, M.T., Schloesser, D.W., and M.C. Walsh. 2015. Distribution of native mussel (Unionidae) assemblages in coastal areas of Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, and connecting channels, twenty-five years after a dreissenid invasion. Northeastern Naturalist, 22(1): 223–235.

Karatayev, A., D. Boltovskoy, L. Burlakova, D. Padilla. 2015. Parallels and contrasts between Limnoperna fortunei and Dreissena species. In: D. Boltovskoy (ed.) Limnoperna fortunei, Invading Nature – Springer Series in Invasion Ecology, 261-297. DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-13494-9_15.

Paterson, W. L., T. A. Griffith, L. E. Burlakova, R. W. Krebs, and D. T. Zanatta. 2015. An evaluation of the genetic structure of mapleleaf mussels (Quadrula quadrula) in the Lake Erie watershed. Journal of Great Lakes Research 41: 1123-1130.

Lopes-Lima, M., R. Sousa, J. Geist, D. C. Aldridge, R. Araujo, J. Bergengren, Y. Bespalaja, E. Bodis, L. Burlakova, D. Van Damme, K. Douda, E. Froufe, D. Georgiev, C. Gumpinger, A. Karatayev, U. Kebapci, I. Killeen, J. Lajtner, B. M. Larsen, R. Lauceri, A. Legakis, S. Lois, S. Lundberg, E. Moorkens, G. Motte, K.-O. Nagel, P. Ondina, A. Outeiro, M. Paunovic, V. Prie, T. von Proschwitz, N. Riccardi, M. Rudzīte, M. Rudzītis, C. Scheder, M. Seddon, H. Sereflisan, V. Simić, S. Sokolova, K. Stoeckl, J. Taskinen, A. Teixeira, F. Thielen, T. Trichkova, S. Varandas, H. Vicentini, K. Zajac, T. Zajac, S. Zogaris. 2016. Conservation Status of Freshwater Mussels in Europe: State of the Art and Future Challenges. Biological Reviews. 92: 572-607. DOI: 10.1111/brv.12244.

Mehler, K, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, Z. Biesinger, E. Bruestle, A. Valle‐Levinson, C. Castiglione, and D. Gorsky. 2017. Integrating remote sensing and species distribution modelling to predict benthic communities in a Great Lakes connecting channel. River Research and Applications. 1-9. DOI: 10.1002/rra.3169.

Collas, F. P. L., A. Y. Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, and R. S. E. W. Leuven. 2018. Detachment rates of dreissenid mussels after boat hull-mediated overland dispersal. Hydrobiologia 810: 77-84. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-016-3072-4.

Dascher, E. D., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, D. F. Ford, and A. N. Schwalb. 2018. Distribution of unionid freshwater mussels and host fishes in Texas. A study of broad-scale spatial patterns across basins and a strong climate gradient. Hydrobiologia 810: 315-331. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-017-3168-5.

Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, T. D. Miller, and M. F. Perrelli. 2018. Reconstructing historical range and population size of an endangered mollusc: long-term decline of Popenaias popeii in the Rio Grande, Texas. Hydrobiologia 810: 333-349. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-015-2551-3.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, and D. K. Padilla. 2018. Can introduced species replace lost biodiversity? A test with freshwater molluscs. Hydrobiologia 810: 45-56. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-017-3135-1.

Lopes-Lima, M., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, K. Mehler. M. Seddon, and R. Sousa. 2018. Conservation of freshwater bivalves at the global scale: Diversity, threats and research needs. Hydrobiologia 810: 1-14. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-017-3486-7.

Mehler, K., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, Z. Biesinger, and A. Valle-Lewinson, C. Castiglione, and D. Gorsky. 2018. Sonar technology and underwater video analysis can enhance invasive Dreissena distribution assessment in large rivers. Hydrobiologia 810: 119-131. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-016-3040-z.

Burlakova, L. E., E. K. Hinchey, A. Y. Karatayev, and L. G. Rudstam. 2018. U.S. EPA Great Lakes National Program Office Monitoring of the Laurentian Great Lakes: Insights from 40 years of data collection. Journal of the Great Lakes Research. 44(4): 535-538. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2018.05.017.

Burlakova, L. E., K. E. Kovalenko, K. L. Schmude, R. P. Barbiero, A. Y. Karatayev, and B. M. Lesht. 2018. Development of new indices of Great Lakes water quality based on profundal benthic communities. Journal of the Great Lakes Research. 44(4): 618-628. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2017.11.004.

Burlakova, L. E., R. P. Barbiero, A. Y. Karatayev, S. E. Daniel, E. K. Hinchey, and G. J. Warren. 2018. The benthic community of the Laurentian Great Lakes: Analysis of spatial gradients and temporal trends from 1998 to 2014. Journal of the Great Lakes Research 44: 600-617. Open Access. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2018.04.008.

Karatayev, A. Y., V. A. Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, M. D. Rowe, K. Mehler, and Mark D. Clapsadl. 2018. Food depletion regulates the demography of invasive dreissenid mussels in a stratified lake. Limnology and Oceanography. 63(5): 2065-2079. DOI: 10.1002/Ino.10924.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, K. Mehler, S. A. Bocaniov, P. D. Collingsworth, G. Warren, R. T. Kraus, and E. K. Hinchey. 2018. Biomonitoring using invasive species in a large lake: Dreissena distribution maps hypoxic zones. Journal of the Great Lakes Research 44(4): 639-649. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2017.08.001.

Karatayev, A. Y., K. Mehler, L. E. Burlakova, E. K. Hinchey, and G. Warren. 2018. Benthic video image analysis facilitates monitoring of Dreissena populations across spatial scales. Journal of the Great Lakes Research. 44(4): 629-638.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, K. Mehler, R. P. Barbiero, E. K. Hinchey, P. D. Collingsworth, K. E. Kovalenko, and G. Warren. 2018. Life after Dreissena: The decline of exotic suspension feeder may have significant impacts on lake ecosystems. Journal of the Great Lakes Research. 44(4): 650-659. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2018.05.010.

Kovalenko, K. E. E. D. Reavie, R. P. Barbiero, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, L. G. Rudstam, G. Warren, and J. M. Watkins. 2018. Patterns of long-term dynamics of aquatic communities and water quality parameters in the Great Lakes: Are they synchronized? Journal of the Great Lakes Research. 44(4):660-669.

Bossenbroek, J. M., L. E. Burlakova, T. C. Crail, A. Y. Karatayev, R. A. Krebs, and D. T. Zanatta. 2018. Modelling habitat of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae) in the lower Great Lakes 25 years after the Dreissena invasion. Freshwater Science. 36(2): 330-342. DOI: 10.1086/697738.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, E. Froufe, A. E. Bogan, and M. Lopes-Lima. 2018. A new freshwater bivalve species of the genus Cyclonaias from Texas (Unionidae: Ambleminae: Quadrulini). The Nautilus. 132(2): 45-50.

Burlakova, L. E., D. Campbell, and A. Y. Karatayev. 2019. Status of rare endemic species: Molecular phylogeny, distribution, and conservation of freshwater molluscs Truncilla macrodon and Truncilla cognata in Texas. Malacologia. 62(2): 345-363.

Lopes‐Lima, M, L. Burlakova, A. Karatayev, A. Gomes‐dos‐Santos, A. Zieritz, E. Froufe, and A. E. Bogan. 2019. Revisiting the North American freshwater mussel genus Quadrula sensu lato (Bivalvia Unionidae): Phylogeny, taxonomy and species delineation. Zoologica Scripta. DOI: 10.1111/zsc.12344.

Bunnell, D. B, S. A. Pothoven, P. M. Armenio, L. Eaton, D. M. Warner, A. K. Elgin, L. E. Burlakova, and A. Y. Karatayev. 2019. Spatiotemporal variability in energetic condition of alewife and round goby in Lake Michigan. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 76(11):1982-1992.

Strayer, D. L., B. V. Adamovich, R. Adrian, D. C. Aldridge, C. Balogh, L. E. Burlakova, H. Fried-Petersen, L. G.-Tóth, A. L. Hetherington, T. S. Jones, A. Y. Karatayev, J. B. Madill, O. A. Makarevich, J. E. Marsden, A. L. Martel, D. Minchin, T. F. Nalepa, R. Noordhuis, T. J. Robinson, L. G. Rudstam, A. N. Schwalb, D. R. Smith, A. D. Steinman, and J. M. Jeschke. 2019. Long-term population dynamics of dreissenid mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and D. rostriformis): A cross-system analysis. Ecosphere 10 (4) e02701. DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.2701.

Porto-Hannes, I., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and H. R. Lasker. 2019. Molecular phylogeny, biogeography, and conservation of the freshwater endemic mollusk Lampsilis bracteata in Texas. Zootaxa. 4652(3): 442-456.

Mitchell, Z. A., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and A. N. Schwalb. 2019. Changes in community composition of riverine mussels after a severe drought depend on local conditions: a comparative study in four tributaries of a subtropical river. Hydrobiologia. 848(9): 3015-3029. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-019-04058-3.

Teixeira, J. E., E. Froufe, A. Gomes-dos-Santos, A. E. Bogan, A. Y. Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, D. C. Aldridge, I. N. Bolotov, I. V. Vikhrev, A. Teixeira, S. Varandas, D. T. Zanattah, and M. Lopes-Lima. 2020. Complete mitochondrial genomes of the freshwater mussels Amblema plicata (Say, 1817), Pleurobema oviforme (Conrad, 1834) and Popenaias popeii (Lea, 1857) (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Ambleminae). Mitochondrial DNA Part B. 5:3, 2977-2979. DOI: 10.1080/23802359.2020.1791008.

Mehler, K., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, A. K. Elgin, T. F. Nalepa, C. P. Madenjian, and E. Hinchey. 2020. Long-term trends of Lake Michigan benthos with emphasis on the southern basin. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 46: 528-537.

Rudstam, L. G., J. M. Watkins, A. E. Scofield, R. P. Barbiero, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, K. Mehler, E. D. Reavie, E. T. Howell, and E. K. Hinchey. 2020. Status of lower trophic levels in Lake Huron. Pages 14-45 in S. C. Riley and M. P. Ebener, editors. State of Lake Huron. Great Lakes Fisheries Commission Special Publications 2020-01.

Karatayev, V. A., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, L. Yang, and T. Miller. 2020. Advection and habitat loss interactively reduce persistence: Maintaining threatened riverine populations while restoring natural flow regimes. Oecologia. 193(3): 773-785. DOI: 10.1007/s00442-020-04706-9.

Boltovskoy, D., N. M. Correa, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, E. V. Thuesen, F. Sylvester, and E. M. Paolucci. 2021. Traits and impacts of introduced species: A quantitative review of meta-analyses. Hydrobiologia. 848: 2225-2258. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-020-04378-9.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, K. Mehler, E. K. Hinchey, M. Wick, M. Bakowska, and N. Mrozinska. 2021. Rapid assessment of Dreissena population in Lake Erie using underwater videography. Hydrobiologia. 848 (9), 2421-2436. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-020-04481-x.

Porto-Hannes, I., L. E. Burlakova, D. T. Zanatta, H. R. Lasker. 2021. Boundaries and hybridization in a secondary contact zone between freshwater mussel species (Family: Unionidae). Heredity. 126, 955-973. DOI: 10.1038/s41437-021-00424-x.

Karatayev, A. Y., V. A. Karatayev, L. E. Burlakova, K. Mehler, M. D. Rowe, A. K. Elgin, and T. F. Nalepa. 2021. Lake morphometry determines Dreissena invasion dynamics. Biological Invasions. 23: 2489-2514. DOI: 10.1007/s10530-021-02518-3.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, A. R. Hrycik, S. E. Daniel, K. Mehler, L. G. Rudstam, J. M. Watkins, R. Dermott, J. Scharold, A. K. Elgin, T. F. Nalepa, E.K. Hinchey, S.J. Lozano. 2021. Density data for Lake Ontario benthic invertebrate assemblages from 1964 to 2018. Ecology. 102(12), 2021, e03528. DOI: 10.1002/ecy.3528.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, K. Mehler, A. K. Elgin, L. G. Rudstam, J. M. Watkins, and M. Wick. 2022. Dreissena in Lake Ontario 30 years post-invasion. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48(2): 264-273. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2020.11.010.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, A. R. Hrycik, S. E. Daniel, K. Mehler, L. G. Rudstam, J. M. Watkins, R. Dermott, J. Scharold, A. K. Elgin, and T. F. Nalepa. 2022. Six decades of Lake Ontario ecological history according to benthos. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48: 274-288. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2021.03.006.

Evans, T. M., Z. S. Feiner, L. G. Rudstam, D. M. Mason, J. M. Watkins, E. D. Reavie, A. E. Scofield, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and W. G. Sprules. 2022. Size spectra analysis of a decade of Laurentian Great Lakes data. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. 79(1): 183-194. DOI: 10.1139/cjfas-2020-0144.

Boltovskoy, D., R. Guiaşu, L. Burlakova, A. Karatayev, M. Schlaepfer, N. Correa, 2022. Misleading estimates of economic impacts of biological invasions: including the costs but not the benefits. Ambio. DOI: 10.1007/s13280-022-01707-1.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, A. R. Hrycik, S. E. Daniel, K. Mehler, L. G. Rudstam, J. M. Watkins, R. Dermott, J. Scharold, A. K. Elgin, T. F. Nalepa, E. K. Hinchey, and S. J. Lozano. 2022. Benthic Data Collection in Lake Ontario: Continuation of a Long-term Data Series. Bulletin of the Ecological Society of America. 103(1): e01937. DOI: 10.1002/bes2.1937.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, K. Mehler, E.K. Hinchey. 2023. Exploring Great Lakes benthoscapes: Can we visually delineate hypoxic habitats? Hydrobiologia. 850: 1331-1353. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-022-04821-z.

Spear, M. J., P. A. Wakker, T. P. Shannon, R. L. Lowe, L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and M. J. Vander Zanden. 2022. Early changes in the benthic community of a eutrophic lake following zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) invasion. Inland Waters. 12: 311-329. DOI: 10.1080/20442041.2021.2007744.

Bayba*, S., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and R. J. Warren II. 2022. Non-native Dreissena associated with increased native benthic community abundance with greater lake depth. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48 (3): 734-745.

Boltovskoy, D., R. C. Guiaşu, L. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, M. A. Schlaepfer & N. Correa, 2022. Aquatic invasive species: The economic cost-benefit balance of human-made infrastructure. Anales de la Academia Nacional de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales (Argentina) 73: 122-132.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, A. R. Hrycik, S. E. Daniel, K. Mehler, E. K. Hinchey, R. Dermott, G. W. Kennedy, R. Griffiths. 2022. Long-term dynamics of Lake Erie benthos: One lake, three distinct communities. Journal of Great Lakes Research. 48(6): 1599-1617. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2022.09.006.

Burlakova, L., Karatayev, A., Rudstam, L., Karatayev, V., Adamovich, B., Zhukava, H., Holeck, K., Hetherington, A., Jackson, J., Balogh, C., Serfőző, Z., Zhukova, T., Mikheyeva, T., Kovalevskaya, R., Makarevich, O., and D. Kruk. 2022. Time scales of ecosystem impacts and recovery under individual and serial invasions. Dryad, Dataset. DOI: 10.5061/dryad.mpg4f4qzw.

Karatayev, A. Y., and L. E. Burlakova. 2022. What we know and don’t know about the invasive zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena rostriformis bugensis) mussels. Hydrobiologia. 852: 1029-1102. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-022-04950-5.

Karatayev, A. Y., and L. E. Burlakova. 2022. Dreissena in the Great Lakes: What have we learned in 30 years of invasion. Hydrobiologia. 852:1103-1130. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-022-04990-x.

Porto-Hannes*, I., Lasker, H. R., and L. E. Burlakova. Genetic isolation and homogenization: potential effects of landscape features on the population genetic structure of freshwater mussels. 2022. Journal of Great Lakes Research, 48(4): 1032-1041.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, D. Boltovskoy, and N. M. Correa. 2023. Ecosystem services provided by the exotic bivalves Dreissena polymorpha, D. rostriformis bugensis, and Limnoperna fortunei. Hydrobiologia. 850: 2811-2854. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-022-04935-4.

Karatayev, V. A., Burlakova, L. B., Karatayev, A. Y., Rudstam, L. G., Adamovich, B. V., Zhukava, H. A., Holeck, K. T., Hetherington, A. L., Jackson, J. R., Balogh, C., Serfőző, Z., Hotaling, C. W., Zhukova, T. V., Mikheyeva, T. M., Kovalevskaya, R. Z., Makarevich, O. A., and D. V. Kruk. 2023. Time scales of ecosystem impacts and recovery under individual and serial invasions. Ecosystems. DOI: 10.1007/s10021-023-00828-2.

Eifert, R. A., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, S. E. Daniel, A. E. Scofield, and E. K. Hinchey. 2023. Could quagga mussels impact offshore benthic community and surface sediment-bound nutrients in the Laurentian Great Lakes? Hydrobiologia. 852:1165-1182. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-023-05191-w.

Kraemer, B. M., S. Boudet, L. E. Burlakova, L. Haltiner, B. W. Ibelings, A. Y. Karatayev, V. A. Karatayev, S. Rossbacher, R. Stoeckli, D. Straile, and P. Spaak. 2023. An abundant future for quagga mussels in deep European lakes. Environmental Research Letters: 18. 124008. DOI: 10.1088/1748-9326/ad059f.

Haltiner, L., J. Alexander, L. Baehn, L. E. Burlakova, S. Dennis, P. Feulner, S. Flämig, L. A. Karatayev, V. Karatayev, B. Kraemer, S. Rossbacher, R. Stöckli, and Spaak, P. 2023. Quagga mussels threaten pre-alpine lakes. Aqua & Gas. 6: 61-65. (Title in German: Quaggamuscheln bedrohen voralpine seen).

Karatayev, A. Y., D. P. Molloy, and L. E. Burlakova. 2023. Natural Enemies of Zebra and Quagga Mussels: Predators, Parasites, and Ecological Competitors. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture 5: 27-97. DOI: 10.1080/23308249.2023.2235437.

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, A. R. Hrycik, S. Daniel, K. Mehler, E. K. Hinchey, R. Dermott, R. Griffiths, and L. E. Denecke. 2024. Density data for Lake Erie benthic invertebrate assemblages from 1930 to 2019. Ecology. e4301. DOI: 10.1002/ecy.4301.

Barbiero, R. P., Burlakova, L.E., Watkins, J. M., Karatayev, A. Y., Lesht, B. M., 2024. The benthic nepheloid layer in the offshore waters of the Great Lakes and its post-dreissenid disappearance. J. Great Lakes Res. 50, 102408. DOI: 10.1016/j.jglr.2024.102408.

Hrycik, A.R., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, S. E. Daniel, R. Dermott, M. Tarbell, and E. K. Hinchey. 2024. A dataset of individual wet weights of benthic macroinvertebrates. Limnology and Oceanography Letters. 9(6), pp.696-715.

Paolucci, E. M., L. E. Burlakova, N. Yarza, N. Correa, D. Boltovskoy, and A. Y. Karatayev. 2025. Planktonic larvae of the invasive bivalves Dreissena spp. and Limnoperna fortunei: review of their effects on freshwater communities. Hydrobiologia. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-024-05521-6.

Daniel, E. E., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and L. E. Denecke. 2025. Invasion dynamics of New Zealand mud snail. Hydrobiologia. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-024-05522-5.

Karatayev, A. Y., and L. E. Burlakova. 2025. Dreissena in large lakes: Long-term population dynamics and population assessment using conventional methods and videography. Hydrobiologia. 852, 2349-2368. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-024-05560-z.

Basista*, M. P., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and S. E. Daniel. 2025. Demographic patterns of quagga mussel invasion into Lake Michigan profundal zone. Hydrobiologia. 852:2 065–2079. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-024-05607-1.

Katona*, L. R., L. E. Burlakova, A. Y. Karatayev, and Y. Vadeboncoeur. 2025. Progressive enrichment of benthic primary producer and dreissenid δ15N with depth in Lakes Erie and Ontario. Hydrobiologia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10750-024-05639-7

Burlakova, L. E., A. Y. Karatayev, S. E. Daniel, J. R. Meyer, T. O. Höök, S. Lawhun*, K. L. Bowen, W. J. S. Currie, P. D. Collingsworth. 2025. Video classification of hypoxic habitats and benthic communities in two productive freshwater embayments. Ecological Indicators. 173, 113286. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolind.2025.113286.

Lopes-Lima, M., A. Lopes-Lima, L. Burlakova, K. Douda, Á. Alonso, A. Karatayev, T. H. Ng, M. Vinarski, A. Zieritz, R. Sousa. 2025. Non-native freshwater molluscs: A brief global review of species, pathways, impacts and management strategies. Hydrobiologia. 852: 1005-1028. DOI: 10.1007/s10750-024-05780-3.

Karatayev, A. Y., L. E. Burlakova, V.A. Karatayev, J. E. Cooper, L. G. Rudstam. 2025. Multiple invasions decimate the most imperiled freshwater invertebrates. Biol Invasions. 27: 85. DOI: 10.1007/s10530-025-03540-5.

Makhutova, O. N., L. Burlakova, and A. Karatayev. 2025. Assessment of omega-3 PUFA reserves in the quagga mussel of Lake Ontario, with a special focus on its diet. Inland Waters. DOI: 10.1080/20442041.2025.2483570.

 

Professional societies

The International Association for Great Lakes Research

Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography 

Ecological Society of America

Freshwater Mollusk Conservation Society

 

Teaching experience

USA

Great Lakes Seminar GLC 600 (1 credit). Great Lakes Ecosystem Science Master’s programs, Fall 2014.

Biostatistics and Biological Data Analysis (4 credits, Lecture and Lab). Developed as a new graduate/undergraduate course. Fall 2008, 2011.

Biological Experimental Design and Analysis (3 credits; Lecture and Lab). Developed as a new graduate course. Fall 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006.

Population Biology (3 credits). Developed as a new graduate course. Spring 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.

Conservation Biology (3 credits). Developed as a new graduate/undergraduate course. Fall 2005, 2006.

Belarus

Experimental Design (3 credits; Lecture and Lab). Developed as a new course Fall 1998, 1999.

Population Ecology (2 credits, Lecture and Lab). Developed as a new course Spring 1999, 2000.

Biostatistics (1 credit, Lecture and Lab). Developed as a new course Spring 1999.

Biostatistics (4 credits, Lab). Developed as a new course Fall 1997, 1998, 1999.

Special Practicum in Ecology and Aquatic Biology (3 credits, Lab). Developed Fall and Spring 1998, 1999.

 

Graduate research

Candidate Dissertation Title: Ecology of Dreissena polymorpha (Pallas) and its role in structure and function of aquatic ecosystems. Supervisor Dr. A. P. Ostapenya. 1989-1998.

 

Manuscripts reviewed

Aquatic BioSystems; Applied Ecology; Aquatic Invasions; Biological Conservation; Biological Invasions; BIOTA NEOTROPICA; BMC Ecology; Ecology; Ecology and Evolution; Ecosystems; Environmental Conservation; Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science; Freshwater Science; Freshwater Biology; Global Change Ecology; Hydrobiologia; Journal of Great Lakes Research; Journal of Molluscan Studies; Journal of North American Benthological Society; Journal of Siberian Federal University; Marine and Freshwater Research; Northeastern Naturalist; North American Journal of Aquaculture; Oceanologia; Parasitology; PeerJ; PLOS One; Siberian Journal of Sciences; Water Research; The American Midland Naturalist; The Journal of Experimental Biology; The Professional Geographer; The Southwestern Naturalist; The Texas Journal of Science.

 

Grants reviewed

Graduate Women in Science, Michigan Sea Grant, Minnesota Sea Grant, National Geographic Society, National Science Foundation, French National Research Agency, SUNY-ESF McIntire-Stennis Research Program

 

Graduate students (Supervising)

Lara Hargrave (2020–2023). M.A., Great Lakes Ecosystem Science Program, Great Lakes Center, SUNY Buffalo State University

Sonya Bayba (2018–2020). M.A., Great Lakes Environmental Science Program, Great Lakes Center, SUNY Buffalo State University

Susan Daniel (2014–2017). M.A., Great Lakes Environmental Science Program, Great Lakes Center, SUNY Buffalo State University

Isabel Porto Hannes (2011–2017). Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo

Robbyn Drake (2010–2011). M.A., Multidisciplinary Program, Buffalo State University

 

Graduate students (Advising)

Sarah Lawhun (2024–present), Cornell University

Morgan Zyzik (2017–2018), M.S., Great Lakes Ecosystem Science Program, Great Lakes Center, SUNY Buffalo State University

Eric Bruestle (2014–2017), M.A., Great Lakes Ecosystem Science Program, Great Lakes Center, SUNY Buffalo State University

Keith Pawlowsky (2014–2017), M.S., Great Lakes Ecosystem Science Program, SUNY Buffalo State University

F. P. L. Collas (May – June 2014), Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands

Paul Juette (2011–2014), M.A., SUNY Buffalo State University

Wendy Paterson (2011–2012), M.S., Central Michigan University

Michael Cook (2006–2008), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Kevin Nichols (2006–2008), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Daniel Bennett (2005–2007), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

David Hollas (2004–2006), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Leah Cartwright (2004–2006), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Olga Minich (2003–2006), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Jules Smith (2002–2006), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Arias Jason (2002–2004), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Rhonda Mood (2002–2004), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Oladunni Olayinka (2002–2004), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Sewell Brian (2002–2003), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Andrei Nesterovitch (2002–2003), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Tom Kesterson (2001–2003), M.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Sergey E. Mastitsky (2000–2004), Ph.D., Belarusian State University, Belarus

Nataliya M. Lisovskaya (1998–2000), M.Sc., Belarusian State University, Belarus

 

Undergraduate students (Advising)

Brianne Tulumello (2011 – 2012), Undergraduate Research and Mentoring (URM) Program, SUNY Buffalo State University

Marissa Hajduk (2008 – 2010), Undergraduate Research and Mentoring (URM) Program, SUNY Buffalo State University

Jered Simpson (2007), B.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Steven Grice (2006), B.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Edgardo Avelar (2006), B.Sc., Stephen F. Austin State University

Tatiana Urash (1998), B.Sc., Belarusian State University, Belarus

Andrey Usov (1998–2000), B.Sc., Belarusian State University, Belarus

Svetlana Dudich (1997–1998), B.Sc., Belarusian State University, Belarus

Ekaterina Sadova (1997–1998), B.Sc., Belarusian State University, Belarus

 

International activities

1994 (December): International Workshop on Zebra Mussel Parasites, Minsk, Belarus

1995 (October): International Workshop on Zebra Mussel Parasites, France

1997 (June): International Workshop on Zebra Mussel Parasites, Minsk, Belarus

1998 (February): International Workshop on Zebra Mussel Parasites, Cornwall-on-Hudson, USA

2004 (October): "The Comparative Roles of Suspension Feeders in Ecosystems," NATO Advanced Research Workshop, Nida, Lithuania

2005 (May): International Research Workshop “Portrait of marine and freshwater invertebrate invaders,” Ireland

2017 (July): International Workshop to explore the effect of biological invasions on aquatic ecosystems in Belarus and in North America, Cornell Biological Field Station, Bridgeport, NY.

2018 (December): Ecological Risk Assessment of Black Carp (Mylopharyngodon piceus) for the Great Lakes Basin Peer Review Meeting.