Lester McKee, Ph.D.

Lester McKee, Ph.D.
Senior Environmental Scientist
Watershed Science Program Manager
lester sfei.org
510-746-7363
Dr. McKee graduated with a BSc. in Geology from the University of Canterbury in New Zealand in 1993. He conducted his Ph.D. research at Southern Cross University, northern New South Wales, Australia, in the fields of hydrology and nutrient biogeochemistry. In 1997, Dr. McKee began work as a consultant in the Center for Coastal Management in Australia where he carried out management related field, laboratory, and desktop research for clients including local councils, Environment Protection Authority, Department of Land and Water Conservation, and the Brisbane River Management Group. In 2000, he joined the staff of SFEI as Director of the Watershed Program. In that role he manages a diverse group of highly motivated staff that conduct applied science projects and develop scientific information relevant to policy development and environmental management of the Bay and its local watersheds. Topics of study include hydrology, water quality, geomorphic processes, the distribution and quality of endangered species habitat, macroinvertebrate studies, resource mapping using geographic information systems (GIS), and historic stream, floodplain, and landscape form and function and change through time. Although Dr. McKee and his team get to look at watershed processes through a variety of scientific methodologies, he himself specializes in the design and implementation of scientific studies on the sources, transport, transformation, and loadings of sediments, nutrients and trace contaminants in Bay Area watersheds. For further information, interested parties should view Dr. McKee’s C.V. available on SFEI’s Web site or contact him directly for discussion.
Publication List
Curriculum Vitae

News and Notables:

SFEI-ASC Shines at Bay-Delta Science Conferences
Oct-16-12 | Events and Appearances

SFEI-ASC Scientists gave 5 presentations and displayed 3 posters at the 7th Biennial Bay-Delta Science Conference

2011 Pulse of the Estuary: Pollutant Effects on Aquatic Life
Jan-31-12 | Publications and Reports | Featured

The RMP has released the electronic edition of the 2011 Pulse of the Estuary. The theme of this edition is Pollutant Effects on Aquatic Life, and the report includes articles on phytoplankton, fish, birds, and seals, as well as a detailed look at the water quality element of the recent State of the Bay Report.

SFEI Mercury Scientists present at the International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant
Jul-29-11 | Events and Appearances

Jay Davis, Lester McKee, Don Yee, Nicole David, and Aroon Melwani presented at the International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

SFEI Scientist interviewed for San Francisco Estuary Project short film
Dec-20-10 | Media

Lester McKee and Sarah Pearce were interviewed in SF Estuary film short titled "Cut the Curbs to Claim the Rain."

News Article on PCBs in the Environment
Nov-28-10 | Media

An article in the San Jose Mercury News on PCBs in the Bay Area quotes Jay Davis and Lester McKee.

2010 Pulse of the Estuary: Linking the Watersheds and the Bay
Oct-06-10 | Publications and Reports

The RMP has released the 2010 Pulse of the Estuary. This edition includes articles on the Municipal Regional Stormwater Permit, stormwater best management practices, monitoring loads from small tributaries, monitoring creek health, and, as always, the latest water quality information for the Bay.

New Reports Show Sources of Pollution in SF Bay
Oct-05-10 | Media

A KTVU story by Tom Vacar features Tom Mumley and Lester McKee

Dry Creek Reconnaissance: insights on sediment delivery to the Alameda Creek flood control channel
Oct-22-09 | Events and Appearances

Sarah Pearce, Bigelow, P., and Lester McKee presented Dry Creek Reconnaissance: insights on sediment delivery to the Alameda Creek flood control channel

Researchers Detail Mounting Perils for San Francisco Bay
Sep-09-09 | Media

Some 35 years ago, a crew from the PBS science show "Nova" joined a team of scientists from the U.S. Geological Survey...