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Dr. Benjamin LaFrentz has been actively conducting basic and
applied research in the area of aquatic animal health since 2000, with a
special emphasis on pathogenic Flavobacterium
spp. He is employed as a Research Molecular Biologist at the USDA-ARS
Aquatic Animal Health Research Unit in Auburn, Alabama. He completed his undergraduate training in
Animal Ecology (Aquaculture emphasis) at Iowa State University (2000) and MS
and PhD in Fishery Resources at The University of Idaho (2002, 2007). During his graduate training, he worked
collaboratively with the rainbow trout aquaculture industry on research
projects aimed at developing vaccines for Flavobacterium
psychrophilum, the causative agent of bacterial coldwater disease. Through these projects, he has conducted
research on host immune mechanisms, identification and characterization of
immunogenic antigens, vaccine development, and identification of virulence
factors of bacterial pathogens.
Currently, he is applying his expertise towards important bacterial
pathogens of channel catfish and tilapia to develop new methods for disease
prevention that will improve the productivity, quality, and profit of these
important aquaculture species.
1.
How did you get to where you are today?
I have always had a passion for fish. As a child, I raised guppies and
collected “data” on them, perhaps sparking my interest in research! After high
school I attended Iowa State University and majored in animal ecology with an
emphasis in aquaculture. During my junior or senior year, I took an interesting
fish pathology course and felt this was my path. After graduating ISU, I was
fortunate to get accepted to graduate school at the University of Idaho and obtained
my MS and PhD degrees conducting research on bacterial coldwater disease. In
2008, I was hired as a research molecular biologist at the USDA-ARS Aquatic
Animal Health Research Unit in Auburn, AL.
2. What do you
like most about your current job?
The thing I enjoy the most about my job is that I am always learning
something new. Research is exciting (and frustrating at times) and results from
one study may lead you down a road that you never thought about traveling. Combining
basic and applied research with the goal of solving a problem to improve fish
health is very satisfying to me.
3. When and why
did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS?
I joined AFS in 1999 while an undergraduate
student and joined the FHS as a graduate student. At the University of Idaho, I
was actively involved in the Palouse Student Subunit of the Idaho Chapter AFS
and served as Co-President and Secretary. In 2004, I attended a FHS EXCOM
meeting and the committee expressed interest in revamping the FHS website. I
had some experience in developing websites, so I volunteered to serve as the
website editor. This proved to be an invaluable opportunity as it allowed me to
meet, network, and interact with many FHS members. Additionally, I have served
on the Communications Committee, Student Involvement Committee, and Nominating
and Balloting Committee.
4. How do you
feel that FHS has influenced your career path?
My involvement with the FHS has allowed me to
interact with many FHS members and build lasting friendships and collaborations
with other fish health professionals. It has opened the door to opportunities
that would not have been possible.
5. What do you see for
the future of the FHS?
I see the future of the FHS continuing its
long standing reputation of connecting fish health professionals nationally and
internationally, promoting the science, developing professional and technical
standards, and developing young professionals.
6. What has been your favorite
part about being a part of the FHS network?
My favorite part of the FHS network has been
interacting with other members through involvement and meetings. Attending FHS
meetings are rewarding for numerous reasons including learning more about current
issues and research in fish health, building collaborations, meeting new
people, and reconnecting with others.
7. Who were your
mentors as you were an up-and-coming fish health specialist?
As an undergraduate at Iowa State
University, I was fortunate to be advised and mentored by Bob Summerfelt. Through
his mentoring, Bob introduced me to research and provided me with many of the
skills that I needed to be successful. During my graduate research in Idaho,
Ken Cain and Scott LaPatra taught me experimental design, research techniques,
and how to write effectively. They also provided me with opportunities to
attend meetings, assist with on-farm research, and explore side research
projects. I will always be grateful for these mentors. I’ve met different fish
health professionals with exemplary research programs, values, and attitudes
which have indirectly served as mentors or role models.
8. What would you say
to yourself now, when you were going through school?
I think it is important to work hard, keep an
open mind, jump on opportunity, and find balance to ensure you play hard at
times too.
9. If you mentor
students currently or hire new graduates, what sort of qualities do you look for?
I mentor students on occasion, but I think the
most important qualities are curiosity and enthusiasm.
10. Any words of wisdom to
up-and-coming FHS students and new members?
Get involved and build relationships with
other FHS members.
