Michael Lesser

Michael Lesser is a Research Professor in the Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences at the University of New Hampshire. His research focuses on coral reef biology, marine symbioses, and the ecological impacts of climate change. He investigates mesophotic coral ecosystems, microbial community dynamics, and the physiological responses of marine organisms to environmental stressors such as light exposure, temperature fluctuations, and ocean acidification. His work spans the Caribbean, Pacific, and Antarctic regions, with a particular emphasis on sponge and coral holobiont interactions. Lesser has contributed to understanding coral bleaching mechanisms, nutrient cycling in marine sponges, and the role of microbiomes in host resilience.

Research Interests:

• Coral Reef Ecology and Health
• Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems
• Sponge-Microbe Symbioses
• Climate Change Impacts on Marine Ecosystems
• Microbial Ecology and Metagenomics

His publications highlight trends in depth-dependent ecological processes, microbial community shifts under stress, and the functional roles of sponges in nutrient cycling. Recent studies emphasize the importance of mesophotic reefs as refugia and their vulnerability to human impacts like lionfish invasions. Lesser’s interdisciplinary approach integrates field studies, molecular biology, and remote sensing to address critical questions in marine conservation and biodiversity.