Principle Investigator and lab head

• Northern Michigan University faculty in Biology since 2000

• Ph.D. University of Massachusetts 1997

• M.S. University of Delaware 1992

• B.S. College of William and Mary 1989

Dr. Leonard's principle scientific interests surround life history variation in aquatic species, primarily fish. Exploring why individuals display different life strategies is both fascinating and crucial to understanding how environmental forces will impact individuals and populations. She uses a variety of approaches to investigate these questions ranging from laboratory studies using common garden systems and behavioral arenas to field projects using telemetry and classical ecological techniques. As much as possible, her group tries to explain observed ecology by understanding the physiology of the animal. Additional interests include winter and coldwater ecology as well as environmental change. She has a sweet spot for native species, non-game fishes, and the understudied. Species of special interest include brook trout and burbot.

Brendan Zak

Brendan joined the lab in Fall 2023 after completing his undergraduate degree at NMU. An enthusiastic angler, Brendan is focusing on a project evaluating the timing and springtime distribution of larval fish in the Chocolay River.