Hamish J. Small

Assistant Professor

Email: [[v|hamish]]
Phone: (804) 684-7745
Office: Chesapeake Bay Hall 123
Section: Ecosystem Health

Education

Ph.D. Marine Parasitology, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 2004
M.Res. Biomedical Sciences, University of Glasgow, Scotland, 2000
B.Sc. Immunology and Microbiology (Hons. 2:1), University of Strathclyde, Scotland, 1999

About

Great science doesn't happen alone and I am very fortunate to collaborate with some incredibly talented internal and external colleagues. My research program at VIMS is broadly focused within aquatic health (plant, vertebrate and invertebrate) and parasitology/pathology. That said, I also have interests in harmful algal bloom (HAB) biology, molecular genetics, host-parasite interactions and immunology. In the aquatic health arena research efforts are directed towards foundational studies to identify the 5 Ws (who, what, where, when and why/how) to better understand potential impacts to individuals and ultimately populations. Current research projects intesect restoration, wild capture and aquaculture industries and examples include studies on eelgrass seed pathogens (Phytophthora Halophytophthora spp), bitter crab disease (BCD) and black eye syndrome (BES) in Bering Sea snow crab, and suden unusual oyster mortality syndrome (SUMS) in eastern oysters. Several of these studies are performed under our Initiative for the Management of Marine Diseases . I also act as the VIMS research coordinator for the Elizabeth River Inititive and I contribute fish pathology data and work closely with the Elizabeth River Project to develop and publish the State of the River Scorecard. HAB-related studies include molecular and imaging-based monitoring and assessing bio effects to aquatic life from HAB and toxin exposure (Alexandrium sp). I also manage and operate the VIMS Olympus FV1200 laser scanning confocal microscope.

As a keen saltwater angler I am passionate about providing science-based information on recreationally-important species to stakeholders (public and managers). Prior collaborative studies have involved elucidating the population structure of tautog (Tautoga onitis) and cobia (Rachycentron canadum). Currently, we are studying the the post-release survival of red drum (Sciaenops ocellatus) release from the late summer recreational fishery.