Lee Smee

Dr. Lee Smee serves as Chair of University Programs and Senior Marine Scientist III at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, while holding the position of Professor in the Stokes School of Marine and Environmental Sciences at the University of South Alabama. His research focuses on marine chemical ecology and trophic interactions, with current emphasis on oyster reef restoration in the Gulf of Mexico. Educational background includes a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2006), M.S. from Georgia Southern University (1998), and B.S. from Piedmont College (1996).

Research encompasses oyster reef ecology, mangrove encroachment dynamics, pesticide impacts on crustaceans, and seagrass biogeography. Current lab projects investigate how environmental stressors affect benthic communities and predator-prey relationships in estuarine systems. Publications demonstrate a strong focus on disturbance ecology and habitat restoration, particularly examining hurricane impacts on coastal ecosystems and innovative management approaches like induced defense techniques.