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.

Limited-Term 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 university professor 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 sediment 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, has represented the US on an international panel on blue carbon, and has led or served on many US workgroups developing and synthesizing evidence on effective carbon sequestration actions.

Dr. Windham-Myers succeeds Dr. Larsen who will leave prior to the expiration of her second term. The term of office for Dr. Windham-Myers will begin on December 1, 2023, and conclude on June 30, 2024, as the Council recruits the next lead scientist for a three-year term.

Next Lead Scientist

The Delta Stewardship Council in partnership with the United States Geological Survey and in consultation with the Delta Independent Science Board are recruiting the next Lead Scientist for the Delta Science Program whose term will begin in the summer 2024. Two applicants are currently under consideration for the appointment: Dr. Gary Lamberti (University of Notre Dame) and Dr. Lisamarie Windham-Myers (United States Geological Survey). As part of the selection process, the Delta Lead Scientist Interview Panel, an advisory committee the Delta Independent Science Board, are hosting a seminar series, and meet and greet session with each of the applicants. This will provide an opportunity for the community at large to learn about each of the applicant’s research and experience and how it applies to the position during the seminar, and to ask general questions related to the applicant’s interest in the position during the meet and greet.

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