Leila Hamdan

Leila Hamdan is Professor at the University of Southern Mississippi, specializing in marine microbial ecology and geomicrobiology. Her research examines how environmental changes impact microbial communities in deep-sea ecosystems, with focus on artificial reefs (shipwrecks), hydrocarbon seep systems, and anoxia development in estuarine environments.

Current projects investigate microbial biogeography on continental margins, ecological functions of shipwreck microbiomes, and impacts of petroleum hydrocarbons on deep-sea biofilm communities. Her work integrates molecular ecology with biogeochemical analysis to understand microbial roles in ocean ecosystems.

Prior appointments include positions at George Mason University and the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory. Her research contributes to understanding microbial responses to anthropogenic disturbances and climate change in marine environments.