Marc Terrazas is a masters student at the University of Idaho. Marc’s work focuses on stress-mediated disease and thermal ecology issues associated with burbot culture and restoration.
1. What is your current research/position?
Currently I am a research and teaching assistant for Dr. Kenneth Cain at the University of Idaho pursuing an M. S. in natural resources. My research is focused on stress-mediated disease and thermal ecology issues associated with burbot conservation and restoration in the Kootenai River drainage of northern Idaho and British Columbia.
2. What sparked your interest in aquatic animal health?
I did not have any real background with aquatic animal health from my undergraduate education but upon completion of my degree and searching for a job there was an opening with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks as a fish health specialist. This was my first exposure to aquatic animal health issues and was the catalyst for the direction of my graduate studies, research, and career. This job exposed me to many aquatic animal health issues as well as exposing me to many other aspects of fisheries management.
3. What has been your favorite fisheries-related job?
I would not be where I am today without my first job with Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the confidence of Ken Staigmiller, my former boss. He showed a lot of trust in me to take on a lot of responsibility and really gave me a lot freedom to pursue projects that were of interest to me and beneficial to the State of Montana’s aquatic resources. I owe a lot to him, and I think he made a good choice.
4. What do you like most about graduate/professional school?
The exposure to varied research programs going on in fisheries and similar fields has been very interesting, as has exposure to advanced coursework. I have benefited greatly from the enhanced statistical and fisheries training, and coursework that an advanced degree has provided.
5. When and why did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS?
I first became involved with AFS shortly after completing my undergraduate degree and gaining employment. My involvement with the FHS soon followed and, as part of my employment agreement, I completed certification as an Aquatic Animal Health Inspector in 2011. I have been involved with both AFS and the FHS as well as at the Chapter and Subunit levels since then.
6. What are your long-term professional goals (FHS or otherwise)?
I really enjoyed my employment with the State of Montana and all of the fieldwork associated with that position. I would entertain fish health employment if there were a strong fieldwork component to the job. I have learned that I do not enjoy doing entirely one thing (fieldwork, labwork, or paperwork) so my ideal job would have a little of each but not too much of one. I am also very fond of the intermountain west, so ideally I would find a job somewhere in that region.
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