Delta Lead Scientist
The Delta lead scientist oversees the Delta Science Program and consults regularly with partner agencies, as well as the Delta Stewardship Council and its executive officer, chief deputy executive officer, and the deputy executive officer for science. The lead scientist is secured through a multi-year appointment with the United States Geological Survey.
Current Lead Scientist
Dr. Lisamarie Windham-Myers is a systems ecologist with the United States Geological Survey. She received her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources and was a professor at Lehigh University before joining the United States Geological Survey. Her research examines processes at the interface of land and aquatic systems, including water flow, storage, and quality at landscape scales. She also examines fine-scale processes in soils and has studied extensively the conditions in wetlands and estuaries that sequester and release greenhouse gases, and control methylmercury dynamics. She has authored or co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers, represented the U.S. on multiple international panels and working groups associated with climate change mitigation, and led or served in many U.S. interagency programs evaluating nature-based solutions for carbon sequestration.
The first term of office for Dr. Windham-Myers is from December 1, 2023, to November 30, 2026. Her second term of office is from December 1, 2026, to November 30, 2029.
Next Lead Scientist
The Council, in partnership with the United States Geological Survey, is seeking a nationally recognized scientist to become the next Delta lead scientist. The Delta lead scientist is responsible for providing vision, leadership and unbiased scientific expertise to the Council, the Delta Science Program, and the Delta science community by upholding the highest possible standards of scientific integrity and credibility.
Applications received by 11:59 pm on January 17, 2027, will receive priority consideration. Start date is negotiable, but can begin in late 2027.
Previous Lead Scientists
- Dr. Laurel Larsen - 2020-2023
- Dr. John Callaway - 2017-2020
- Dr. Cliff Dahm - 2008-2012 and 2015-2017
- Dr. Peter Goodwin - 2012-2015
- Dr. Michael Healey - 2007-2008
- Dr. Johnnie Moore - 2004-2006
- Dr. Sam Luoma - 2000-2003