Barry Lesht

Barry Lesht is an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). His research focuses on applying satellite observations and advanced statistical methods to study biological and geological processes in the Great Lakes, particularly developing algorithms to enhance water quality monitoring and ecological understanding. Dr. Lesht holds a PhD in Geophysical Sciences from the University of Chicago (1977) and has extensive postdoctoral and research experience, including roles at NOAA and the University of Rhode Island.

His academic background includes degrees from Washington University in St. Louis (BA, 1971) and the University of Chicago (MA, 1973; PhD, 1977). His work emphasizes interdisciplinary applications of remote sensing in limnology, with a focus on satellite-derived data for assessing chlorophyll concentrations, sediment dynamics, and ecosystem health. Notable contributions include studies on the Great Lakes National Program Office's water quality monitoring program and the impact of invasive species on food webs.

Lesht's research spans over four decades, with publications addressing phytoplankton production, zooplankton communities, and the interplay between climate, human activity, and aquatic ecosystems. His recent work explores spatial representativeness of monitoring programs and algorithm development for environmental data interpretation.