WELCOME!
In the Leslie Lab at the University of Maine, we focus on the connections among people and coastal marine ecosystems.
marine conservation research
As marine conservation scientists, we use a combination of field observational and experimental studies, modeling, and other approaches grounded in the ecological and social sciences and humanities. In both Maine and Mexico, we investigate how diverse environmental and socioeconomic factors influence ecosystem and social interactions and outcomes. Our ultimate aim is to create scientific knowledge and tools that supports marine conservation and management that benefits both nature and people.
Community Science
In 2019, in partnership with the Joint Shellfish Committee of the Towns of Damariscotta and Newcastle, the Leslie Lab group at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center initiated this community science program. The goal of this program is to create robust social and ecological data to support ecosystem-based management at the local scale and specifically in the Damariscotta River Estuary in midcoast Maine.
TEACHING & LEARNING
Dr. Leslie and her students study a variety of topics related to coastal ecology, conservation science, and social-ecological systems through classes, capstone research projects, and independent studies. Students from all degree programs are welcome. Prospective students are invited to learn more about opportunities through the Marine Sciences and Ecology and Environmental Sciences programs at UMaine.
ENGAGEMENT & Collaboration
We hope that fellow researchers as well as our partners in education, policy making and community-based management will find something of interest on this site. If you are interested in learning more or exploring a way to work together, please contact us!
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Ecosystem thinking
I recently participated in a panel discussion entitled A Journey in Fisheries and Ecosystem Thinking: A Conversation About the Past, Present, and Future.* This was an excellent opportunity to reflect […]
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Adapting to change
For more than 20 years, Heather has collaborated with an international group of researchers to study how coastal communities respond to environmental, economic and political pressures in the Gulf of California […]
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Marina’s research journey
Lab alumna Marina Tomer shares her research journey in this recent post by the Senator George J. Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions. Welcome back to Maine, Marina!
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Creative writing at the DMC
Leslie Lab members Heather, Sarah, and Emma hosted the entire sophomore class of Lincoln Academy, the local high school, at the Darling Center earlier this fall. This field trip, designed […]
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Oyster science and stories
Civil Eats recently featured Leslie Lab member Sarah Risley’s doctoral research on wild and farmed oysters. Read all about it here!
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Joelle’s research journey
Leslie Lab member Joelle Kilchenmann shares the journey that brought her to UMaine and her interdisciplinary PhD research related to Maine’s lobster fishery.
DARLING MARINE CENTER
We are based in midcoast Maine, at the University of Maine’s marine laboratory, Darling Marine Center. Since 1965, the DMC has been an active center of marine and environmental research, education, and outreach, welcoming scientists and students from around the world.
