Dr. Robert Leaf Selected for Southern Miss School of Ocean Science and Engineering Director

Wed, 10/09/2024 - 04:34pm | By: Gabriela Shinskie

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) announces Dr. Robert Leaf as the new Director of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering (SOSE). Leaf will continue to maximize student research opportunities and contribute to the growing demand of the blue economy.

“It’s an honor to be chosen to lead the unit of the faculty and staff whom I greatly admire. The school includes some of the most well-known and accomplished scientists in the fields of Marine and Coastal Science. My responsibility is to do the best for them and for our students,” said Leaf.

His goals are simple: get students excited about science and prepare them with the tools needed for careers in research. His dedication to growing the program is essential along with communicating its successes. Leaf understands SOSE’s significant role as part of a community-engaged Carnegie R1 University and is committed to enabling faculty and staff to pursue their research goals.

“Our graduate and undergraduate programs in SOSE are exceptional due to the with the quality and passion of the faculty,” said Leaf.

The University’s proximity to the Gulf of Mexico allows for SOSE to have a front-row seat to conducting coastal research, advances in aquaculture, operating autonomous vehicles, and providing for a healthy ecosystem. Many undergraduate and graduate opportunities are housed at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory (GCRL) in Ocean Springs, Miss., where Director Dr. Kelly Darnell provides immersive tools in field-based educational experiences. Dr. Kelly Lucas, Vice President for Research, credits Dr. Leaf’s passion for marine research to fuel the future success of SOSE.

“Dr. Leaf’s dedication and innovative approaches will undoubtedly help SOSE soar to new heights. I look forward to working alongside him to continue to put the needs of our students, faculty, and staff at the forefront in support of GCRL’s mission of research, education, and service,” said Darnell.

“We are pleased with the selection of Dr. Robert Leaf as the Director of the School of Ocean Science and Engineering. His leadership represents a significant step forward in sustaining and expanding our research enterprise on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Dr. Leaf’s marine science expertise and commitment to fostering collaborative research initiatives will be invaluable as we continue to address critical environmental challenges and support the region’s blue economy. Under his leadership, we look forward to advancing our mission of excellence in coastal and oceanic research, education, and outreach,” said Lucas. 

Leaf joined the school in 2012 as an associate professor. Throughout his time, he taught graduate-level courses on quantitative fisheries management, statistics, and data analysis, and computer programming. He received his Ph.D. in Fishery and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech and has worked positively in efforts by management agencies such as the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) and NOAA Fisheries.

In 2023, SOSE’s Bachelor’s degree in Ocean Engineering received the prestigious ABET accreditation, assuring the program meets standards to produce graduates ready to enter critical technical fields, leading the way in innovation and emerging technologies. Click here to learn how to join USM’s dynamic and innovative School of Ocean Science and Engineering.