USDA-ARS-NCCCWA

11861 Leetown Road

Kearneysville, WV  25430

Voice: (304) 724-8340 x2130

 

Professional Biographical Information:

B.S. in Agricultural Science (1997), Wilmington College

M.S. in Animal Breeding and Genetics (2001), The Ohio State University, Advisor: Dr. Keith Irvin

Ph.D. in Animal Breeding and Genetics (2005), The Ohio State University, Advisor: Dr. Steve Moeller

Post-Doctoral Research Geneticist (2005-2008), USDA-ARS-USSES, Dubois, ID

Research Geneticist (2008-present), USDA-ARS-NCCCWA

 

Affiliations:

American Society of Animal Science

World Aquaculture Society

 

Description of Research Interests:

Development of genetically-improved strains of fish will likely improve production efficiency and sustainability of the US rainbow trout aquaculture industry.  Compared to other livestock species, there is limited knowledge regarding genetic control of traits that affect disease resistance, growth rate, feed efficiency, product yield and quality, and reproductive output in aquaculture species.  My research focuses on the characterization of genetic control of these economically-important traits, identification of simple and accurate methods to measure these traits, and estimation of genetic gains that can be achieved using selective breeding.  The short-term objective of this research is to disseminate new knowledge of these traits to producer groups and the scientific community.  The long-term objective of the NCCCWA breeding program is to develop and release to industry genetically-improved strains that are extensively characterized for production performance in well-defined aquaculture environments.