Tennenbaum Coordinating Scientist
Smithsonian Institution
647 Contees Wharf Rd
Edgewater, Maryland 21037
Email: LefcheckJ@si.edu
Phone: 443-482-2443

Visit Jonathan's Research Website

Research Disciplines:

• Marine ecology

Research Interests:

submersed aquatic vegetation, seagrass, climate change, biodiversity, statistical analysis

View Jonathan's CV

---

Biographical Sketch

I am currently the scientist for the Smithsonian MarineGEO Network. I was formerly a post-doctoral researcher at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences in East Boothbay, ME, and at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in Gloucester Point, VA. I received my Ph.D. in Marine Science from the College of William & Mary in 2015.

My interests span from community and applied ecology to biodiversity science and conservation to ecological statistics.

My research is broadly focused on understanding the causes and consequences of biological diversity, especially in light of global change and with respect to human well-being. I focus on nearshore marine ecosystems, primarily seagrasses and other submersed vegetation, but have worked in corals, mangroves, oyster reefs, salt marshes, and rocky intertidal habitats.

To help with my research, I develop new statistical methods and approaches, principally structural equation modeling (SEM). I write and maintain an R package to conduct SEM and teach international courses on the applications of this method.

---

Education

• 2015, Ph.D. Marine Science, The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA
• 2009, B.A. Biology, Colby College, Waterville, ME

---