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.
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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 |