Student Profile: Carolyn Chang

Carolyn Chang is a Ph.D. student in the Fish and Wildlife Biology and Management program at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Her current research is focused on understanding and controlling infectious diseases that infect laboratory zebrafish.

1. What is your current research/position?

I am currently a PhD student at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry working with Dr. Christopher Whipps. I am researching the control of infectious diseases in laboratory zebrafish. Specifically I research mycobacteriosis, a common disease in zebrafish. I am interested in better understanding this disease in order to implement effective disease control and management measures.

2. What sparked your interest in aquatic animal health?
I was introduced to aquatic animal health during my M.Sc. degree where I used the zebrafish model to investigate craniofacial development. The focus of this research was more biomedical; however, I ended up learning a lot about fish health and husbandry through working with the zebrafish model. I also had the opportunity to work as a research technician in an immunology lab shortly after completing my M.Sc. where I gained interest in immunology and disease research. For my doctoral studies I knew that I really wanted to continue to work with the zebrafish, but I also wanted to move into studying infectious diseases. I was fortunate to find a research advisor with a research project that allowed me to pursue both of these interests.

3. What has been your favorite fisheries-related job?
I have only had the opportunity to work with fish in graduate school. My favourite part of my fish work so far has been conducting in vivo experiments. I have had a chance to perform these experiments during both my masters and my current research. I feel that there is finesse to performing surgical procedures, injections and manipulations on a tiny little fish and an associated amount of patience to repeat these procedures many times. I love this part of my research, especially the really finicky parts.

4. What do you like most about graduate/professional school?
I enjoy the balance of being able to work both independently and under the supervision of my advisor and thesis committee. I like that I can work on my research independently, but I still have assistance from these established researchers to help me brainstorm, overcome obstacles and learn new techniques. Working in this environment, with this support system, has helped me grow and gain experience so that I will be prepared to move forward as a researcher.

5. When and why did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS?
I first became involved with AFS and the FHS when I moved to SUNY-ESF to start my Ph.D. My first AFS meeting was the 7th ISAAH meeting in 2014 which was a great first experience. This was when I joined AFS and the FHS section. I have since been able to get a paper published in the FHS Journal (JAAH) and attend the FHS meeting this year in Ithaca, NY. I have found that the FHS section is composed of an impressive group of professionals who are welcoming and all doing amazing work.

6. What are your long-term professional goals (FHS or otherwise)?
My long-term professional goals are to continue to conduct research and move forward to post-doc and then to work in academia. Ideally, I would like to be in a position where I can conduct research as well as teach. Further into the future, I am also interested in working in an administrative role for a government agency or industry. I hope to also be able to experience living in some new and great places as I move through this career path!

Student Profile: Marc Terrazas

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.

Student Profile: Amy Teffer

Amy Teffer is a PhD student at the University of Victoria, co-supervised out of the University of British Columbia, Canada. Her research examines disease ecology of wild salmon, specifically relating to temperature and fisheries stressors currently affecting Fraser River salmon during their spawning migration.


1. What is your current research/position?
I am a PhD student at the University of Victoria and University of British Columbia (co-supervised, best of both worlds). My research is part of a larger study using paired holding and biotelemetry studies to examine the effects of multiple stressors and infectious disease processes on the survival and migration success of Pacific salmon in the Fraser River watershed in British Columbia, Canada.

2. What sparked your interest in aquatic animal health?
I suppose it came from a basic curiosity about how aquatic organisms and ecosystems function, of which animal health is a key component. Specifically, my research takes an ecological perspective on factors affecting wild fish health.

3. What has been your favorite fisheries-related job?
That’s a tough one, but I think my time spent working at the Conte Anadromous Fish Lab in Turners Falls, MA stands out most in my mind. We were tracking shad around the Connecticut River using radio telemetry, running flume experiments in the lab to test fishway performance and turbine passage across species, and I logged some serious hours entering data! It was a demanding job and the weather was often uncooperative, but the work and the people were stupendous. I learned so much so quickly and began to develop a palpable understanding of how fisheries research got done and what I wanted to do with my career.

4. What do you like most about graduate/professional school?
Firstly, the freedom. I thrive in an independent setting, with support available when I need it. My supervisors know how to support my work but give me space to grow. Secondly, the directive. Something that I believe many graduate students forget is that we are here to (primarily) do one thing: finish a dissertation. Ask a question and answer it using the information, observation and experimentation available to us. Looking toward the future and given what is in store for us in academic or other research professions, that is a very simple, straightforward, and exciting task (though still overwhelming at times!). Thirdly, the community. Awesome people with enduring curiosity and diverse expertise.

5. When and why did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS? 
I attended a local chapter meeting at the start of my MSc, which was my first exposure to AFS. The atmosphere was so welcoming and the presented work so interesting and inspiring to this young professional that I joined the Society the following day. I became a member of the FHS at the start of my PhD, soon afterwards attending a local conference in Washington for which I was award travel support by the section. To be honest I was terrified as an ecologist among fish health experts, but again received excellent advice and support for my presented research. Since joining the society and section, I have contributed to AFS as a communications officer for our local student chapter and benefitted greatly through this experience and received multiple travel awards to attend conferences across the country.

6. What are your long-term professional goals (FHS or otherwise)?Any position where I am allotted time and support to conduct research that interests me, whether within academia, agencies, or elsewhere, would be ideal. Teaching is an appealing prospect, as I enjoy sharing knowledge and experience as much as acquiring it. However, like many young professionals in my shoes, I am at the whim of the availability of positions. Keeping an open mind and broad interests centered on a main theme has gotten me far: point your sails where you want to go and let the wind and water do the rest! Regardless, I would like to strengthen my involvement with the FHS in the coming years. I have made valuable and lasting connections within the FHS and look forward to having more time available to attend and assist with section activities.

Student Profile: Daniel Hernandez

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.     

Cornell Duo: Student Profile with Emily Cornwell and 10 Questions with Mentor Rod Getchell

Dr. Emily and a large muskie!

Student: Dr. Emily Cornwell

Emily is currently a  DVM/PhD student at Cornell University. She completed the PhD portion of her program in July 2012 with  Dr. Paul Bowser as her program chairman and is now in the 3rd year of her veterinary curriculum. Her thesis works is focused on the infection dynamics of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in the Great Lakes.

1.     What is your current research/position?

I am in the dual DVM/PhD program at Cornell University.  Currently, I am a 3^rd year veterinary student and a part-time postdoctoral fellow in Dr. Paul Bowser’s lab.  My PhD research focused on the epidemiology of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus in the Great Lakes and I am expanding that work during my post-doc with more of a focus on the genetic variation of this virus that has occurred since it was first introduced into the Great Lakes.

 2.     What sparked your interest in aquatic animal health?

I have wanted to be a veterinarian since I was in 4^th grade, but in college I had a summer externship at the Hatfield Marine Science Center with Dr. Tim Miller-Morgan and fell in love with research and with fish.  Focusing on aquatic animal health in vet school and for my PhD seemed like the perfect way to combine my passions.

 3.     What has been your favorite fisheries-related job?

Teaching students about fish health.  I have been fortunate to have several opportunities to teach, both by mentoring students in the laboratory and more formally in the classroom.  One of my favorites has been teaching middle and high school students in 4H about how amazing fish are.  Another veterinary student, Caroline Laverriere, and I designed the class together and we talk about fish diversity, anatomy, native species identification, aquarium care and maintenance, and then the students get to do a complete necropsy on a fish. It’s so rewarding to see students go from being grossed out or entirely disinterested by fish to excitedly pointing out parasites on gill clips.

 4.     What do you like most about graduate/professional school? 

In graduate school, I really enjoy being able to ask questions and then figure out how to design an experiment to answer them.  I also like the camaraderie in our lab – we all support each other and help each other out on our respective projects.  In vet school, my favorite parts are interacting with clients and their pets and trying to make connections between what we are learning about in domestic animals and fish.

5.     When and why did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS?

I became involved with AFS and FHS during my first year of graduate school.  It seemed like a great way to start to meet other people in the field.  Since joining, I have been really impressed by what a close-knit and collaborative community the FHS is and feel really lucky to be a part of it. 

6.     What are your long-term professional goals (FHS or otherwise)?

I hope to be able to combine my interests in clinical medicine, research, and teaching, most likely in academia or government but I am open to anything.  I would also really like to continue incorporating international work into my career.

  

Mentor: Dr. Rod Getchell

Rod teaching a group of students

Rod Getchell is a Senior Research Associate at Cornell University in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the College of Veterinary Medicine.  He oversees diagnostic tasks for the department’s Aquatic Animal Health Program and recently became a Block IV tutor for second year veterinary students.  His primary research interests involve emerging diseases of fish and the development of new molecular assays for their detection.  He also is the Associate Director of AQUAVET®.

1.      How did you get to where you are today?   

My love of science began with my father, who was a Junior High School science teacher.  Then, when I went to the University of New Hampshire, I focused on microbiology.  I took an interest in fish and marine biology as well and spent many summers at the Shoals Marine Lab out at the Isles of Shoals in the Gulf of Maine.  I also took Sea Semester, which is run by Sea Education Association, and sailed on the R/V Westward out of Woods Hole, MA.  I decided to go to graduate school to study fish diseases and was lucky enough to get into Oregon State University (OSU) and John Fryer’s research group.  I came to Cornell in 1990 and entered the Employee Degree Program in 1996 while working in the labs of Dr. Bruce Calnek and Dr. Benjamin Lucio.  Eventually, I joined the lab of Dr. Paul Bowser, where I conducted the research requirement for my PhD and have continued to perform studies on a variety of fish diseases.

2.      What do you like most about your current job? 

I like the combination of research, extension/diagnostic work, and the teaching I do at AQUAVET® and in the small-group learning environment of Block IV, the microbiology and immunology portion of the vet student training.

3.      When and why did you first become involved with AFS and the FHS?  

I joined the Fish Health Section in 1981 when I started at OSU.  I think someone I respected just told me to do it, probably John Rohovec.

4.      How do you feel that FHS has influenced your career path?  

I have met many of my close colleagues through the section and the Eastern Fish Health Workshop.  FHS is the most important professional group in our field, and it has helped me foster collaborative relationships on a number of projects.

5.     What do you see for the future of the FHS?  

I think the organization will continue to fulfill the mission that was laid out by many of our own mentors.

6.     What has been your favorite part about being a part of the FHS network?  

Reconnecting with members both old and new at the meetings each year.  It is great to hang out with people who I can talk with about the subjects I am most interested in.

7.     Who were your mentors as you were an up-and-coming fish health specialist? 

How did they influence you?  My mentors at OSU were John Rohovec and Craig Banner.  They showed me how to conduct fish disease research, but, more importantly, they showed me how to treat other people in the lab, how to work hard, and how to enjoy life.  My mentor at Cornell has been Paul Bowser, a person who has dedicated his life to this field.  Most of my recent success I credit to Dr. Bowser’s guidance.

8.     What would you say to yourself now, when you were going through school? 

Take advantage of as many opportunities as possible.  Find a mentor you respect and learn as much as you can from him or her.

9.     If you mentor students currently or hire new graduates, what sort of qualities do you look for?   

Enthusiasm for what we do in the lab goes a long way for me.  We can train students to perform most any assay, but they have to bring the drive to push themselves.

10.    Any words of wisdom to up-and-coming FHS students and new members?  

Don’t be afraid to walk up to colleagues you do not know and introduce yourself.  The path my career has taken was greatly influenced by unplanned conversations.  You never know when a door will open for you.