Research Physiologist (Fish)
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Agricultural Research Service
National Center for Cool and Cold Water Aquaculture
11861 Leetown Road
Kearneysville, WV25430
Voice: (304) 724-8340 x2133
Professional Biographical Information:
2009 - Present Growth Physiologist, USDA/ARS/NCCCWA
2007 - 2009 Post-Doc, Growth Physiology, USDA/ARS/NCCCWA
2003 - 2007 Ph.D. in Animal and Food Science, West Virginia University
Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Blemings
2001 - 2003 M.S. in Animal and Food Science, West Virginia University
Advisors: Dr. Hillar Klandorf and Dr. Kenneth Blemings
1997-2001 B.S. in Animal and Veterinary Science, West Virginia University
Affiliations:
American Physiological Society
American Society for Nutrition
Description of Research Interests:
Improvements in growth and nutrient utilization can increase the production efficiency of the US rainbow trout aquaculture industry. Protein turnover represents a physiological mechanism that contributes to variations in growth and nutrient utilization in rainbow trout. Therefore, research regarding the regulation of protein turnover is critical to attain a better understanding of how nutrients are utilized and for the development of new strategies aimed at improving growth and nutrient utilization in rainbow trout. To achieve this, my research is directed towards identifying the pathways that regulate protein metabolism. Once these pathways are characterized, I will focus on determining genetic variation in the activity and expression of proteins within these regulatory pathways, which will provide the basis for new phenotypic and molecular measures on which to base selection.
