Research Molecular Biologist
USDA-ARS-NCCCWA
11861 Leetown Road
Kearneysville, WV25430
Voice: (304) 724-8340 x2137
Professional Biographical Information:
B.A. in Biology (1983), Occidental College, CA
Ph.D. in Microbiology (1992), Oregon State University, OR
Research Immunologist (2003-present); USDA-ARS, NationalCenter for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture, Leetown, WV.
Research Rationale and Focus:
The demand for seafood is increasing worldwide while there is new restriction on capture fisheries harvest. To meet increasing consumer demand, U.S. aquaculture producers require improved efficiencies and sustainable practices while maintaining and improving product quality. Currently, endemic and emerging disease limit cool and cold water aquaculture production. Major knowledge gaps exist regarding host resistance and the co-evolution of pathogen virulence, and the impact of environmental change leading to disease. Given the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of these problems, I work in collaboration with other scientists focusing on host resistance mechanisms, microbial genomics, and analysis of host-pathogen interactions within an evolutionary-based framework.
Current research topics and publications:
1. Immune gene identification and evolution
2. Utilizing selective breeding to understand and increase disease resistance
3. Microbial genomics of aquaculture pathogens
4. Evaluation of select germplasm under laboratory and farm conditions.
Workshops and Meetings:
Eighth International Congress on the Biology of Fish (Immunity and Disease Resistance)
Current and Former Lab Members
Collaborators
Clear Springs Foods Inc (Scott LaPatra)
