Daniel Hernandez is a PhD student at the University of Washington. Daniel's work focuses on viruses in Spring Chinook salmon. Read on to learn more about Daniel and his background.
1.
What is your current research/position?
I
am a graduate student and NSF Graduate Research Fellow in the School of Aquatic
and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington. My current investigation
is underway with the USGS Western Fisheries Research Center in Seattle, WA.
2.
What sparked your interest in aquatic animal health?
I
have always had an affinity for aquatic systems as well as the health sciences.
While my undergraduate training and research background is in oceanography and
marine ecosystems, my continued intrigue in the health sciences has made the
field of aquatic animal health a perfect discipline to receive my graduate
training in.
3.
What has been your favorite fisheries-related job?
To
date, my most memorable fisheries-related job was a summer position I held with
the Watershed group at NOAA’s Northwest Fisheries Science Center. Before this
position, I had limited training in freshwater system sampling. I came away
that summer with an in-depth understanding of the ecology of the various stream
habitats used by Pacific salmonids.
4.
What do you like most about graduate/professional school?
I
enjoy the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of my research. I also
appreciate having access to and learning from those carrying out science in
fields of fisheries and fish health.
5.
When and why did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS?
I
first became involved with AFS as I neared completion of my Bachelor of
Science degree. In my junior and senior year, I had the opportunity to attend
the AFS - Alaska Chapter meetings as my research interests at the time were
climate change and Alaska salmon productivity. Only since my transition to
doing research in field of fish health did I become involved with the fish
health section of AFS.
6.
What are your long-term professional goals (FHS or otherwise)?
My
immediate professional goal is to complete my PhD from the School of Aquatic
and Fishery Sciences at the University of Washington. Upon completion of my
PhD, my training will span the fields of virology, fish ecology, and
epidemiology making it possible to pursue a research career in any one of those
disciplines. For now, “The world is my oyster” as they say. I hope that the
coming years as PhD student will aid me in developing my long-term professional
goals.
