Lissa M. Leege

Lissa M. Leege is a Professor in the Department of Biology at Georgia Southern University's College of Science and Mathematics. She holds a Ph.D. from Michigan State University and has been actively involved in research, teaching, and service since 1998.

• Research Focus: Plant conservation ecology, coastal sand dune restoration, invasive plant management, rare plant ecology, fire ecology, and climate change impacts on ecosystems.
• Teaching: Courses include Environmental Biology, Botany, Plant Ecology, Global Sustainability, and honors seminars. She also led Study Abroad programs in Italy.
• Scientific Awards:
  • 2021 Inaugural University Award of Excellence in Sustainability
  • 2019 & 2017 Who’s Who Lifetime Achievement Awards
  • 2009 North Carolina Botanical Garden Award
  • Multiple recognitions for teaching excellence and service-learning
• Grants: Secured over $500,000 in funding from Georgia DNR, NSF, US Fish and Wildlife, and other agencies for projects on dune restoration, invasive species, and endangered plant conservation.
• Students: Mentored 20+ graduate and undergraduate students in plant ecology research, including Honor's thesis projects.

Her recent publications (2023-2000) analyze invasive species impacts, plant-herbivore interactions, and restoration strategies across diverse ecosystems. She actively disseminates findings through invited talks at institutions like Columbus State University and Washington and Jefferson College.