Auburn University, Ph. D. in Fisheries. 1982-1986.
Auburn University, M.S. in Fisheries. 1979 – 1982.
University of Washington, B.S. in Fisheries. 1976- 1978.
Pennsylvania State University, Biology Major. 1974-1976.

Experience:

Currently Extension Specialist – Aquaculture with dual appointment in Extension and Animal Science, P.I. on Aquaculture Food and Marketing Development Project. Prior to this position, he built and managed 250 acre pond based farm for 13 years, producing a wide variety of warmwater fish. Additional experience includes production of fingerlings on large catfish farm in Arkansas, and as an observer on foreign fishing vessels in the North Pacific.

Research Focus:

Present focus is in two areas: 1) Use of Mine Water for production of foodfish, and 2) Use of farm raised fish in recreation. Specific emphasis is yield verification, fish health survey, production of rainbow trout in mine water based raceway system, production of hybrid bluegill and development of production systems utilizing HFRP material. Previous focus has been fish seed production with emphasis on paddlefish.

Critical areas for aquaculture development in WV:

1). Profitability. To survive and grow, individual aquaculture businesses must be profitable at a level which adequately rewards investment and labor.