Joseph Leese

Dr. Joseph Leese is a Professor in the College of Sciences at DeSales University, where he has been a faculty member since 2012. His research focuses on the ecological and evolutionary basis of animal behavior, primarily using fish model systems such as convict cichlids and fathead minnows. He teaches introductory biology courses and upper-level classes in Animal Behavior and Behavioral Endocrinology.

• B.S. in Biology, DeSales University (2006)
• Ph.D. in Integrative Biology, Lehigh University (2011)

Dr. Leese explores reproductive behavior, sexual selection, territoriality, communication, and conservation biology through field and lab experiments in the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the U.S., and Pennsylvania state parks. His work integrates hormonal and behavioral analyses to understand how ecological pressures shape animal interactions.

His research team has published in journals like Animal Behaviour, Behavioral Ecology, and Biology Letters, addressing topics such as endocrine disruption in aquatic ecosystems and social dynamics in fish. Collaborations span regional and international institutions.

• Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• Member, International Society of Behavioral Ecology (ISBE)
• Member, Animal Behavior Society (ABS)