Research Programs
The mission of the Department of Aquatic Health Sciences is to identify and detect toxicological, pathobiological, biochemical agents and other environmental and ecological stressors in aquatic systems, with a focus on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed, which affect the health of aquatic organisms and surrounding human populations.
Aquatic ToxicologyResearch within this program focuses on the ecology, ecotoxicology, and chemistry of natural toxins synthesized by microorganisms in freshwater, estuarine and marine ecosystems. Principal Investigator: Dr. Juliette Smith |
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Crustacean DiseasesThis program focuses on the epidemiology, etiology, ecology, and pathology of diseases affecting crustaceans, with an emphasis on crabs and lobsters Principal Investigator: Dr. Jeffrey Shields |
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Environmental ChemistryResearch in environmental chemistry addresses the sources, transport, fate, bioavailability, and impacts of contaminants in ecosystems. Principal Investigators: Dr. Rob Hale, Dr. Drew Luellen, Dr. Michael Unger |
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Evolutionary and Ecological MedicineThe Evolutionary and Ecological Medicine lab focuses on utilizing evolutionary and ecological theory to guide disease management. Principal Investigator: Dr. Andrew Wargo |
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HistopathologyInvestigations into abnormalities in structure and function at the cellular and organismal level are conducted. Principal Investigator: Dr. Wolfgang Vogelbein |
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Marine and Aquaculture Molecular GeneticsMolecular ecology and genetic studies of aquaculture species, HABs, and aquatic pathogens. Principal Investigator: Dr. Kimberly Reece |
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Molluscan HealthThe VIMS Shellfish Pathology Laboratory studies the pathology and parasitology of species like oysters and clams, with the management of shellfish health in aquaculture and the wild a core focus. Principal Investigator: Dr. Ryan Carnegie |