Lexy (Alexandra) McCarty

Summary

My role as the Shellfish Aquaculture Extension/Research Specialist is to serve as a liaison between the Virginia shellfish aquaculture industry and the research community to promote industry success and expansion. I engage with regulatory agencies, external groups, and the faculty and students at VIMS to find solutions and/or develop research projects to answer industry questions. Currently, I am exploring strategies to differentiate between wild and cultured hard clam broodstock for the Virginia clam industry. I also help coordinate and facilitate the Virginia Fishery Research Grant program.

I have a strong research background using experimental and genomic techniques to answer marine- and human-related questions. For my doctoral research, I investigated the genetic basis and physiology associated with low salinity stress in the eastern oyster to help improve the resiliency of the Maryland aquaculture industry in the face of climate change. I also spent years working on an oyster farm, where I gained invaluable experience and developed a fond appreciation for the industry.

Education

• Ph.D. University of Maryland Center for Environmental Sciences, Horn Point Laboratory, MEES Program (2022)
• B.A. in Biology St. Mary’s College of Maryland (2015)

Recent Publications

McCarty A. J., Hood S., Kuebert K., Cram J., McFarland, K, Plough LV. 2023. Evaluating a short vs. long-term progeny test and investigating physiology associated with survival in extreme low salinity for the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica. Aquaculture 739688

McCarty A.J., Allen S.K., Plough L.V. 2022. Genome-wide analysis of acute low salinity tolerance in the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica reveal major loci and potential of genomic selection for trait improvement. G3:Genes|Genomes|Genetics 12(1): 1-14.

Jesse J.A., Agnew M.V., Arai K., Armstrong C.T, Hood S.M., Long J.T., McCarty A.J., Ross M.O., Rubalcava K.D., Shaner J., Tanaka S., Wood L., Schott E.J., Wilberg M.J. 2021. Effects of infectious diseases on population dynamics of marine organisms in Chesapeake Bay. Estuaries and Coasts 

McCarty A. J., McFarland K., Small J., Allen S. K., Plough L. V. 2020. Heritability of acute low salinity survival in the Eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica). Aquaculture 529:1–11.