UM Directory

Education

2001-2003     University of California, Berkeley, NSF Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Integrative Biology

2000               University of Virginia, PhD (ARCS Scholar; Raven Society) Biological Sciences

1995               Utah State University, MSc Biology

1992               Indiana State University, BSc Life Sciences and Anthropology

Professional Experience

Dr. Leslie J. Rissler joined the University of Montana in August 2026 as the inaugural Dean of the College of Science. She is a broadly trained integrative biologist who prior to joining us in Missoula, served in executive leadership roles at the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. Dr. Rissler served as Acting Division Director, Acting Deputy Division Director, and Section Head of Living Systems in the Directorate for Biological Sciences and helped oversee research portfolios exceeding $100 million annually. In her time at the NSF she led national initiatives to strengthen research capacity, support faculty at critical career junctures, and advance safe and inclusive research environments. Prior to joining the NSF, Dr. Rissler was Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, where she founded interdisciplinary programs and led cross-university initiatives to advance the public’s understanding of science. 

Dr. Rissler is an elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and is the recipient of several honors recognizing her contributions to science leadership, public engagement, and broadening participation in STEM.