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Investigating the effect of oil spills
on the environment and public health.
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Donald R. Deis

Atkins North America, Inc.

Atkins North America Sciences

4030 Boy Scout Boulevard, Suite 700
Tampa, FL  33607  

don.deis@atkinsglobal.com

Project List:

Meta-analytic synthesis of long-term wetland impacts, recovery, and resilience following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill

Year 8-10 Research Grants (RFP-VI)Role: Research Scientist, Program Manager / Technical Coordinator

Long-Term Impact, Recovery and Resilience: Wetland plant-microbial-benthic ecosystem responses to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and mitigation strategies promoting sustainability

Year 6-8 Investigator Grants (RFP-V)Role: Co-Principal Investigator

Accelerating Recovery after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response of the Plant-Microbial-Benthic Ecosystem to Mitigation Strategies Promoting Wetland Remediation and Resilience

Year 3-5 Investigator Grants (RFP-II)Role: Research Scientist

Publications & Presentations:

Journal Articles - 13

2022

Zengel, S., Weaver, J., Mendelssohn, I. A., Graham, S. A., Lin, Q., Hester, M. W., Willis, J. M., Silliman, B. R., Fleeger, J. W., McClenachan, G., Rabalais, N. N., Turner, R. E., Hughes, A. R., Cebrian, J., Deis, D. R., Rutherford, N., & Roberts, B. J. (2022). Meta‐analysis of salt marsh vegetation impacts and recovery: a synthesis following the <i>Deepwater Horizon</i> oil spill. Ecological Applications, 32(1).

2020

Deis, D. R., Fleeger, J. W., Johnson, D. S., Mendelssohn, I. A., Lin, Q., Graham, S. A., Zengel, S., & Hou, A. (2020). Recovery of the salt marsh periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata) 9 years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill: Size matters. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 160, 111581.
Fleeger, J., Johnson, D., Zengel, S., Mendelssohn, I., Deis, D., Graham, S., Lin, Q., Christman, M., Riggio, M., & Pant, M. (2020). Macroinfauna responses and recovery trajectories after an oil spill differ from those following saltmarsh restoration. Marine Environmental Research, 155, 104881.

2019

Deis, D. R., Mendelssohn, I. A., Fleeger, J. W., Bourgoin, S. M., & Lin, Q. (2019). Legacy effects of Hurricane Katrina influenced marsh shoreline erosion following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Science of The Total Environment, 672, 456-467.
Fleeger, J. W., Riggio, M. R., Mendelssohn, I. A., Lin, Q., Deis, D. R., Johnson, D. S., Carman, K. R., Graham, S. A., Zengel, S., & Hou, A. (2019). What Promotes the Recovery of Salt Marsh Infauna After Oil Spills?. Estuaries and Coasts, 42(1), 204-217.

2018

Fleeger, J., Riggio, M., Mendelssohn, I., Lin, Q., Hou, A., & Deis, D. (2018). Recovery of saltmarsh meiofauna six years after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology, 502, 182-190.
Johnson, D. S., Fleeger, J. W., Riggio, M. R., Mendelssohn, I. A., Lin, Q., Graham, S. A., Deis, D. R., & Hou, A. (2018). Saltmarsh plants, but not fertilizer, facilitate invertebrate recolonization after an oil spill. Ecosphere, 9(1).

2017

Deis, D. R., Fleeger, J. W., Bourgoin, S. M., Mendelssohn, I. A., Lin, Q., & Hou, A. (2017). Shoreline oiling effects and recovery of salt marsh macroinvertebrates from the <i>Deepwater Horizon</i> Oil Spill. PeerJ, 5, e3680.

2016

Lin, Q., Mendelssohn, I. A., Graham, S. A., Hou, A., Fleeger, J. W., & Deis, D. R. (2016). Response of salt marshes to oiling from the Deepwater Horizon spill: Implications for plant growth, soil surface-erosion, and shoreline stability. Science of The Total Environment, 557-558, 369-377.
Pennings, S. C., Zengel, S., Oehrig, J., Alber, M., Bishop, T. D., Deis, D. R., Devlin, D., Hughes, A. R., Hutchens, J. J., Kiehn, W. M., McFarlin, C. R., Montague, C. L., Powers, S., Proffitt, C. E., Rutherford, N., Stagg, C. L., & Walters, K. (2016). Marine ecoregion and <i><scp>D</scp>eepwater <scp>H</scp>orizon</i> oil spill affect recruitment and population structure of a salt marsh snail. Ecosphere, 7(12).
Zengel, S., Pennings, S. C., Silliman, B., Montague, C., Weaver, J., Deis, D. R., Krasnec, M. O., Rutherford, N., & Nixon, Z. (2016). Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Impacts on Salt Marsh Fiddler Crabs (Uca spp.). Estuaries and Coasts, 39(4), 1154-1163.
Zengel, S., Weaver, J., Pennings, S., Silliman, B., Deis, D., Montague, C., Rutherford, N., Nixon, Z., & Zimmerman, A. (2017). Five years of Deepwater Horizon oil spill effects on marsh periwinkles Littoraria irrorata. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 576, 135-144.

2015

Fleeger, J., Carman, K., Riggio, M., Mendelssohn, I., Lin, Q., Hou, A., Deis, D., & Zengel, S. (2015). Recovery of salt marsh benthic microalgae and meiofauna following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill linked to recovery of Spartina alterniflora. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 536, 39-54.

Conference Presentations - 57

2020

Cagle, G. H., A.; Ren, J. L., Q.; Graham, S. D., D.; Chen, H. M., & A (2020). Environmental Factors Influencing the Recovery of Soil Microbial Communities in Heavily-Oiled Salt Marshes Eight Years After Deepwater Horizon. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2020
Deis, D. F., J.W.; Johnson, D. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. G., S.; Zengel, S. H., & A (2020). Recovery of the Salt Marsh Periwinkle Nine Years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Size Matters. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2020
Lin, Q. H., A.; Mendelssohn, I. F., J.W.; Graham, S. D., D.R.; Johnson, D. M., & A.M.; Chen, H. (2020). A Decade-Long Response and Recovery of Coastal Salt Marshes Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2020
Ren, J. H., A.; Cagle, G. L., Q.; Graham, S. D., D.; Fleeger, J. C., & H.; McKenna, A. (2020). The Response of Indigenous Microbial Communities in Louisiana Saltmarshes to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Over Time. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2020

2019

Cagle, G. L., Q.; Graham, S. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R.; Hou, A. (2019). The effects of planting and fertilization on the native soil microbial community in Louisiana coastal marshes affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In ASM Microbe 2019
Deis, D. F., J.W.; Bourgoin, S. J., D.S.; Mendelssohn, I. L., & Q.; Hou, A. (2019). The Marsh Periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata) as an Indicator of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Effects. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019
Deis, D. F., J.W.; Johnson, D. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. G., S.; Zengel, S. H., & A (2019). Recovery of the Salt Marsh Periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata) 9 years after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Size Does Matter. In 25th Biennial CERF Conference
Deis, D. V., K.; Mendelssohn, I. F., & J.W.; Bourgoin, S. (2019). What Causes Marsh Loss and Erosion within Northern Barataria Bay Louisiana: A Comparison of Measured and Modeled Erosion. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019
Fleeger, J. J., D.; Mendelssohn, I. D., D.; Graham, S. Z., & S (2019). A meiofaunal chicken and egg question; Do temporary meiofauna influence the number of macroinfauna or do macroinfauna influence the number of temporary meiofauna?. In 17th International Meiofauna Conference (SeventIMCO)
Fleeger, J. J., D.; Mendelssohn, I. D., D.; Graham, S. Z., & S (2019). What Promotes the Long-Term Recovery of Meiofauna after Oil Spills?. In 17th International Meiofauna Conference (SeventIMCO)
Fleeger, J. J., D.S.; Zengel, S. M., I.A.; Graham, S. D., & D.R (2019). Does Stranded Oil Slow the Recovery of Saltmarsh Macroinfauna?. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019
Graham, S. M., C.L.; Lin, Q. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R.; Hou, A. (2019). Reduced soil carbon in Louisiana salt marshes impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In Society of Wetland Scientists 2019 Annual Meeting
Graham, S. M., C.L.; Lin, Q. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R.; Hou, A. (2019). Impacts of Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Exposure on Soil Carbon in Louisiana Salt Marshes. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019
Graham, S. M., C.L.; Lin, Q. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R.; Hou, A. (2019). Reduced soil carbon in Louisiana salt marshes impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In Society of Wetland Scientists 2019 Annual Meeting
Lin, Q. G., S.A.; Hou, A. D., D.R.; Johnson, D. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. M., & A.M.; Chen, H. (2019). Long-Term Response and Recovery of Coastal Salt Marshes following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019
Quade, A. J., D.S.; Fleeger, J. D., D.R.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Graham, S. (2019). Long-term impacts of Deepwater Horizon oil exposure on salt marsh-stabilizing facilitation of southern ribbed mussels, Geukensia granosissima. In Society of Wetland Scientists 2019 Annual Meeting
Quade, A. J., D.S.; Fleeger, J. D., D.R.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Graham, S. (2019). Impacts of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on the Population Structure of the Southern Ribbed Mussel (Geukensia granosissima). In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019
Zengel, S. W., J.; Graham, S. M., I.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.; Johnson, D. (2019). Meta-Analysis of Salt Marsh Vegetation Impacts and Recovery Synthesis Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2019

2018

Deis, D. F., J.W.; Bourgoin, S. M., I.A.; Graham, S. L., & Q.; Hou, A. (2018). The marsh periwinkle (Littoraria irrorata) as an indicator of Deepwater Horizon oil spill effects. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2018
Deis, D. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. B., S.M.; Lin, Q. H., & A (2018). Analysis of marsh loss and erosion within northern Barataria Bay Louisiana: the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In 2018 State of the Coast Conference
Fleeger, J. M., I.; Lin, Q. H., A.; Deis, D. J., & D.; Riggio, M. (2018). What Drives the Long-Term Recovery of Saltmarsh Benthos after Oil Spills; Recovery of Foundation Species, Soil Quality or Food Resources?. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2018
Graham, S. M., I.A.; Fleeger, J. Z., S.; Deis, D. J., & D.S (2018). Meta-analytic synthesis of long-term wetland impacts, recovery, and resilience following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2018
Lin, Q. M., I.; Graham, S. H., A.; Fleeger, J. D., & D (2018). Effect of Restoration on Recovery of Coastal Salt Marshes Impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2018
Marinelli, C. L., Q.; Mendelssohn, I. F., J.W.; Deis, D. H., & A.; Graham, S. (2018). Long-term impacts of Deepwater Horizon oil spill exposure on soil carbon in Louisiana salt marshes. In 7th Annual University of Louisiana System Academic Summit
Quade, A. J., D.S.; Fleeger, J. D., D.R.; Lin, Q. H., & A (2018). Impacts of Deepwater Horizon oil exposure on the southern ribbed mussel (Geukensia granosissima): implications for salt marsh-stabilizing facilitation. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2018
Quade, A. J., D.S.; Fleeger, J. D., D.R.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Graham, S. (2018). Long-term effects of the Deepwater Horizon ooil spill on the population structure of the southern ribbed mussel (Geukensia granosissima), Barataria Bay, Louisiana. In Scholars Expeaux '18: Student Research & Creative Exposition

2017

Deis, D. F., J.W.; Bourgoin, S. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., & A (2017). Effects of Shoreline Oiling on Salt Marsh Macroinvertebrates. In National Association of Environmental Professionals Annual Conference 2017
LaCour-Conant, K. J., D.S.; Fleeger, J. D., D.R.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Graham, S. (2017). Long-term impacts of Deepwater Horizon oil exposure on the southern ribbed mussel (Geukensia granosissima): implications for salt marsh-stabilizing facilitation. In Louisiana Association of Professional Biologists Fall Symposium (LAPB 2017)
LaCour-Conant, K. J., D.S.; Fleeger, J. D., D.R.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Graham, S. (2017). Long-term impacts of Deepwater Horizon oil exposure on the southern ribbed mussel (Geukensia demissa granosissma): implications for salt marsh-stabilizing facilitation. In 38th Annual meeting of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society
Lin, Q. M., I.A.; Graham, S. F., J.W.; Hou, A. D., & D.R (2017). Six-Year Response and Recovery of Coastal Salt Marsh Vegetation to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2017

2016

Deis, D. B., S.M.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. a. F., & J (2016). Analysis of marsh loss and erosion with Northern Barataria Bay, Louisiana: the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2016
Deis, D. F., J.W.; Bourgoin, S. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., & A (2016). Long-term Effects of Shoreline Oiling in Salt Marsh Macroinvertebrates. In 8th National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration
Deis, D. F., J.W.; Bourgoin, S. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., & A (2016). Analysis of Marsh Loss and Erosion within Northern Barataria Bay, Louisiana: The Effects of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In 8th National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration
Fleeger, J. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Deis, D. (2016). Recovery of Salt Marsh Benthic Microalgae and Meiofauna Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Linked to Recovery of Spartina alterniflora. In 8th National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration
Fleeger, J. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Deis, D. (2016). Recovery of the Saltmarsh Meiofauna Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In 16th International Meiofauna Conference
Fleeger, J. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., & A.; Deis, D. (2016). Benthic Responses to Saltmarsh Remediation Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In 16th International Meiofauna Conference
Hou, A. L., Q.; Mendelssohn, I. G., S.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R (2016). Responses of Indigenous Microbial Communities to the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill in Louisiana Saltmarshes: a 5-Year Study. In 8th National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration
Lin, Q. F., J.W.; Hou, A. G., & S.; Deis, D. (2016). Long-Term Impact, Recovery and Resilience: Wetland plant-microbial-benthic ecosystem responses to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and mitigation strategies promoting sustainability. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2016
Lin, Q. M., I.A.; Graham, S. F., J.W.; Hou, A. D., & D.R (2016). Long-term Response of Coastal Salt Marsh Vegetation to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2016
Lin, Q. M., I.A.; Graham, S. F., J.W.; Hou, A. D., & D.R (2016). Vegetation Recovery of Coastal Salt Marshes Impacted by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In 8th National Summit on Coastal and Estuarine Restoration

2015

Ackoury, K. H., C.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R.; Hou, A. (2015). Temporal changes of oil-degrading bacteria in Louisiana salt marsh sediments after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2015
Bourgoin, S. D., D.R.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J (2015). Analysis of marsh loss and erosion within Northern Barataria Bay, Louisiana: the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2015
Bourgoin, S. D., D.R.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J (2015). Analysis of marsh loss and erosion within Northern Barataria Bay, Louisiana: the effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In 2015 Southeastern Estuarine Research Society Annual Spring Meeting
Deis, D. B., S.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, Q. F., & J (2015). Effects of Shoreline Oiling on Salt Marsh Macroinvertebrates 2012-2014. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2015
Deis, D. B., S.M.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J (2015). Effects of shoreline oiling on salt marsh macroinvertebrates 2012-2015. In Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation 2015
Fleeger, J. C., K.; Riggio, R. M., I.; Lin, Q. H., A.; Deis, D. Z., & S (2015). Recovery of the Saltmarsh Benthic Community Following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Linked to Recovery of Spartina alterniflora. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2015
Lin, Q. M., I.; Graham, S. H., A.; Fleeger, J. D., & D (2015). Recovery of structure, function and sustainability of coastal salt marshes impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in northern Barataria Bay. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2015
Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J.; Deis, D. (2015). Accelerating Recovery after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response of the plant-microbial-benthic ecosystem to mitigation strategies promoting wetland remediation and resilience. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2015

2014

Deis, D. B., S.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J (2014). Accelerating recovery after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response of the macroinvertebrate communities to shoreline oiling effects. In Conference on Ecological and Ecosystem Restoration
Deis, D. B., S.; Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J (2014). Accelerating recovery after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response of the macroinvertebrate communities to shoreline oiling effects. In National Association of Environmental Professionals 39th Annual Conference
Fleeger, J. C., K.R.; Riggio, M. M., I.A.; Lin, Q. H., A.; Deis, D. Z., & S (2014). Effects of and recovery from the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill on the saltmarsh benthic community. In US-China International Workshop on Key Processes and Regulation of Wetland Ecosystem
Hou, A. M., I.; Lin, Q. F., & J.; Deis, D. (2014). Responses of indigenous microbial communities to oil contamination in Louisiana saltmarsh sediments. In US-China International Workshop on Key Processes and Regulation of Wetland Ecosystem
Lin, Q. M., I.; Hou, A. F., & J.; Deis, D. (2014). Long-term Recovery of Structure and Function of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill Impacted Louisiana Coastal Salt Marshe. In US-China International Workshop on Key Processes and Regulation of Wetland Ecosystem
Lin, Q. M., I.; Hou, A. F., & J.; Deis, D. (2014). Long-term Recovery of Ecological Structure and Function of Deepwater Horizon Oil-Impacted Coastal Marshes in Northern Barataria Bay. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2014
Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. C., K.; Fleeger, J. D., & D (2014). Accelerating Recovery after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response of the plant-microbial-benthic ecosystem to mitigation strategies promoting wetland remediation and resilience. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2014
Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. F., & J.; Deis, D. (2014). The Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response and recovery of Coastal Marshes. In Goldschmidt Geochemistry Conference

2013

Mendelssohn, I. L., Q.; Hou, A. C., K.R.; Fleeger, J. D., & D.R (2013). Accelerating Recovery after the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill: Response of the plant-microbial-benthic ecosystem to mitigation strategies promoting wetland remediation and resilience. In Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill & Ecosystem Science Conference 2013