In the Leslie Lab at the University of Maine, we focus on the connections among people and coastal marine ecosystems. As marine conservation scientists, we use a combination of field experiments, modeling, and other approaches grounded in the ecological and social sciences and humanities. 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.

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!

Share your story

Posted on
Thanks to support from UMaine’s Mitchell Center, we are using arts-based methods like storytelling and creative writing to to share knowledge and learn together in support of coastal community resilience…
People in kayaks

Voices of the Medomak

Posted on
In mid July, several lab members had the good fortune to participate in a guided trip on the Medomak River estuary. Heather helped organize this event. An excerpt of the…

Community Science

Posted on
To learn about the Leslie Lab’s contributions to collaborative research, education and community engagement in the midcoast, please see the webpage for the Damariscotta River Estuary Community Science Program: https://tinyurl.com/DREcomsci

Engaging in offshore wind development

Posted on
We are delighted to share How to Engage in Offshore Wind Development: A Guide to Values, Questions, Perspectives, and Pathways Forward in Coastal Maine, with you. Download the Guide as…

Community Science Update

Posted on
Graduate students Sarah Risley (above) and Melissa Britsch (now at the Maine Coastal Program) led local knowledge research in the Damariscotta and Medomak River estuaries. This open-access study was just…
Damariscotta River, looking north from the bridge

Bringing Art and Science Together

Posted on
We are launching a new project focused on bringing arts-based methods into coastal community resilience science and practice, thanks to support from UMaine’s Mitchell Center for Sustainability Solutions.