M.S. Graduate Research Assistantship

Aquaculture/Fisheries Center

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff

Water Re-Use in Fish Culture:  Disease Transmission and Plankton Dynamics

For reasons related to both disease prevention and plankton dynamics, farmers reap great benefits by drying ponds then refilling them with fresh well water for each new crop.  Unfortunately, dropping water tables and increasing energy costs are forcing fish farmers to consider water re-use between ponds and between year classes.  Farmers need a way to eradicate disease organisms and mature plankton populations so that water can be recycled without disease risk and so that desirable plankton blooms can be established. The most promising methods to return water to a “fresh from the well” state involve fallowing in fish-free ponds and/or the use of chemical treatments to eradicate pathogens, disease vectors, predatory zooplankton, and blue-green algae. In this study, we will use molecular biology (PCR), water chemistry, and plankton bloom analysis to investigate the efficacy or potential water re-use methods both in the laboratory and in the field.

Responsibilities:  The successful applicant will conduct his/her M.S. degree research on water re-use methods using a variety of methods including the latest molecular biology instrumentation. 

Qualifications:  B.S. in aquaculture, fisheries, or related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, and GRE score of 1,000+ (verbal + quantitative). Minimum TOEFL score of 500 for international students. The student needs to enjoy the combination of field and laboratory work.

Salary:  Year 1 $15,320; Year 2 $16,320.

Closing Date:  Applications will be considered until a candidate is selected (potential starting time of summer or fall 2007).

Contact:  Please complete graduate application materials and assistantship application forms (www.uaex.edu/aqfi) and send to:

Dr. Andrew Goodwin
Aquaculture/Fisheries Center
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4912
Pine Bluff, AR  71601

Phone:              (870) 575-8137
Email:               agoodwin@uaex.edu
Web site:        http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi

E-MAIL APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.  PLEASE USE THE E-MAIL CONTACT FOR QUESTIONS ONLY.