Research Programs & Projects
Research
The mission of the Department of Environmental & Aquatic Animal
Health is to identify and detect toxicological, pathobiological and
biochemical agents in the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed that affect
the health of important aquatic organisms and surrounding human
populations.
Environmental Health
Ecotoxicology
This program investigates contaminants in the biosphere and their effects on constituents of the biosphere, including humans.
Environmental Chemistry
Research in environmental chemistry addresses the sources, transport, fate, bioavailability and impacts of contaminants in ecosystems.
Environmental Microbiology
This program concentrates on indicator and pathogenic microorganisms in waters used for recreation, aquaculture, and shellfish harvesting.
Environmental Toxicology
Research involving the toxic effects of chemicals in water and sediment are conducted at the molecular and population levels.
Risk Assessment
Research to estimate the probability of an adverse effect of a contaminant to humans or the environment.
Aquatic Animal Health
Crustacean Disease
This program focuses on the epidemiology, ecology, and pathophysiology of pathogens affecting aquatic crustaceans, with an emphasis on the blue crab.
Fish Immunity
Research in the Fish Immunity Laboratory is dedicated to the study of the immune defense mechanisms of finfish.
Fish & Shellfish Nutrition (no longer accpting new students)
Investigates energy reserves and nutritional factors important in the survival, growth, and recruitment of fish and shellfish species.
Histopathology
Investigations into abnormalities in structure and function at the cellular and organismal level are conducted.
Marine and Aquaculture Molecular Genetics
The focus of this program is molecular genetic studies of aquaculture species and aquatic pathogens.
Oyster Pathophysiology & Diseases (no longer accpting new students)
This program focuses on the interactions between oysters and their parasites by studying the defense system of the oyster and identifying the factors contributing to parasitic virulence.
Shellfish Pathology
The VIMS Shellfish Pathology Laboratory studies the diseases of commercially important molluscs like oysters and clams.
