Research

I am interested in the conservation of wild salmon stocks and the proliferation of sustainable aquaculture. While sometimes conflicting, these two goals can be pursued simultaneously through the careful anticipation of increased competition, genetic introgression, and disease transmission. My research investigates two parasites, Myxobolus cerebralis and Ceratomyxa shasta which are transmissible between cultured and wild stocks of salmonids and responsible for extensive mortality among both populations. I am analyzing gene expression of these parasites during infection in order to develop treatments which will allow aquaculturists to better manage disease.