Leandro "Steve" Miranda

Leandro "Steve" Miranda serves as Professor and Unit Leader of the USGS Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit at Mississippi State University, specializing in freshwater ecosystem dynamics and fisheries management across the Mississippi Basin.

His academic foundation includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Wildlife Ecology from Mississippi State University
• Master of Science (M.S.) in Fisheries Management from Auburn University
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Biology from Morehead State University

Dr. Miranda's research centers on fish population dynamics and lake/reservoir management, with critical investigations into invasive species impacts (particularly silver carp), reservoir aging processes, and climate change effects on freshwater habitats. His work integrates spatial analysis and statistical modeling to address conservation challenges in river-floodplain systems.

Recent publication trends reveal intensive focus on Mississippi River basin connectivity, invasive carp control strategies, and reservoir impairment assessment. His methodologies emphasize practical applications for fisheries management through advanced size-structure analysis and occupancy-abundance modeling.

Dr. Miranda mentors the following graduate researchers:

• Jordan Besson
• Caleb Aldridge
• Darren Shoemaker
• Hafez Ahmad
• Hayden Funk
• Michaela Palmieri

As leader of the Mississippi Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, he directs collaborative efforts between USGS, state agencies, and academic partners to develop science-based solutions for freshwater resource sustainability.