Lisa Milke, Ph.D.

Education

• Ph.D. Biology - Dalhousie University, 2006
• M.S. Oceanography - University of Connecticut, 2001
• B.S. Biology - Salisbury University, 1997
• B.S. Environmental Science - University of Maryland Eastern Shore, 1997

Professional History

• 2022-Present: Director, Ecosystems and Aquaculture Division
• 2016-2022: Chief, Aquaculture Systems and Ecology Branch, Milford Lab
• 2005-2016: Research Fishery Biologist, NOAA Fisheries Service, Milford Lab
• Full CV: Download File (pdf, 4 pgs)

Lisa is the director of our Ecosystem and Aquaculture Division, which consists of five research branches distributed along the northeast coast between Sandy Hook, New Jersey, and Woods Hole, Massachusetts. As division chief, she coordinates science and leads scientists answering questions regarding aquaculture, environmental and habitat change, and marine development impacts and their collective influences on natural resources. Lisa was elected as a member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering in 2025.

Lisa joined the Milford Laboratory in 2005 as a shellfish biologist, a position she held for 11 years. Her scientific expertise is in feeding physiology, nutrition and organismal response to environmental change. She put her knowledge to use answering questions about shellfish aquaculture and ocean acidification. 

Prior to becoming division director, Lisa spent six years as Chief of the Aquaculture Systems and Ecology Branch. She led a team conducting research to improve our understanding of the ecology of estuarine, coastal and offshore waters, evaluating the interactions between these habitats and aquaculture practices, and enhancing sustainable aquaculture production. 

She is also the organizer of the Milford Aquaculture Seminar, a forum for technology transfer among NOAA Fisheries scientists, aquaculture professionals, the academic community, regulators and the public convened every January.