About me
Nutrition aquaculturist with a focus on marine species and sustainability. Through my past experiences I have had the opportunity to work with experts at internationally recognized institutes and accumulate knowledge and skills geared towards my professional career. Main interests lay in open ocean, recirculating and multitrophic aquaculture systems with a strong focus on fish nutrition and aquafeeds. In 2019, I received a Masters of Science in Aquaculture at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science at the University of Miami. The topic was to test feeds where fishmeal had been completely replaced by plant-based meals in locally farmed rabbitfish (Siganus lineatus) feed in Palau, Micronesia. Extensive research has also been carried out on on how to utilize insect meal to produce aquafeeds in a sustainable and economical manner. Currently, I am carrying out a PhD on nutrition focused on endogenous markers, digestibility, and bio-energetics of cobia (Rachycentron canadum).
WORK EXPERIENCE
Aquaculture Research
Husbandry of high commercial value marine species, live feeds, broodstock and larval rearing
Aquaculture Nutrition Research
Testing feeds with complete replacement of fish meal with plant-based meals
Seaweed Farm
Supervisor of seaweed production in brackish water ponds, from seeding to distribution
Diabetes Research
Rodent perfusions and injections, and quantified imagery data for pancreatic vascularization
Tilapia Farm
Carried out tilapia sexing, grading, feeding, egg collection and biometrics growth trial
Coral Cryo-conservation Research
Research on the ex situ conservation of coral using cryopreservation and banking of gametes
Amphibian Research
Research on effects of tadpole nutrition and water composition on development of spindly leg syndrome
Aquaculture Research
Marine hatchery husbandry and project to determine effect of diet on tilapia lipid and protein quantity
Giant Ocean Tank & Cold Marine
Fed tropical and cold marine fish through the use of SCUBA and targeted surface feeding
Aquaculture Research
Husbandry of marine sea hare for research, and carried out small experiment on algae growth
CV
ENDORSMENTS
Brian Gratwicke, Ph.D.
Lead Amphibian Scientist
Smithsonian Institute
Mary Hagedorn, Ph.D.
Director of MarineGEO Hawaii
Smithsonian Institution
Jeffrey M. Schell
Oceanography Professor
Sea Education Association
Demonstrated exceptional commitment to his work, attention to detail, and a knack for problem solving - His results were successfully used as preliminary data to secure a grant for $50,000 - He will make an invaluable contribution
Because of his reliability, enthusiasm
and focus, he was promoted to chief intern - Original thinking in his designs and very successful craftwork - Clear evidence of being a successful team leader in various environments and projects
Among the top 5% of students - Follows directions, stays on task, and completes his work in a timely, high quality manner - Well versed in fundamental concepts in geologic, physical, chemical and biological oceanography