Research Microbiologist
USDA-ARS-NCCCWA
11861 Leetown Road
Kearneysville, WV 25430
Voice: (304) 724-8340 x 2136
Professional Biographical Information:
B.S. in Biology (1989), University of California, San Diego
PhD. In Marine Biology (1996), Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Research Microbiologist (2003-present), USDA-ARS-NCCCWA
Research Assistant Professor (2002-3), Oregon Health Sciences University
Post-doc in the Laboratory of Dr. Jorge Crosa (1997-2002) OHSU
Research Rationale and Focus:
Infectious diseases are a major impediment to the U.S. aquaculture industry limiting production and decreasing production efficiency. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to infection, disease expression and pathogen persistence is critically needed and will provide practical information that will aid in the formulation of management strategies and therapeutentsto prevent disease outbreaks
Current research topics include:
1) Molecular characterization of the emergence of vaccine resistance in Yersinia ruckeri.
2) Development of the use of bacteriophage for the biocontrol of bacterial pathogens of cool- and cold-water fish species.
3) Characterization of Antimicrobial plasmids that threaten drug use in aquaculture.
