M.Sc. Graduate Research Assistantships (6 positions available) Aquaculture/Fisheries Center University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ------ 1. Economics of Year-Round Production of Hybrid Striped Bass Fingerlings
Hybrid striped bass growers would benefit from year-round availability of the appropriate size of hybrid striped bass fingerlings. Indoor tank systems have been used to raise hybrid striped bass fingerlings, but the costs and risks have not been evaluated nor compared to pond production costs and risks. The graduate student would work with hybrid striped bass growers and researchers at the Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Station to assemble a database from which costs and returns would be estimated related to production of hybrid striped bass in ponds and tanks. Mixed integer mathematical programming models of hybrid striped bass fingerling production will be developed to assess the farm-level trade-offs associated with alternative technologies to produce hybrid striped bass fingerlings year-round. Admission requires a B.S. degree in aquaculture, fisheries, agricultural economics, or a related field, a minimum GPA (last 2 years) of 3.0 and GRE score of 1,000 (verbal + quantitative). Applications will be considered until a candidate is selected (proposed starting date August 1, 2008). To apply, complete graduate application materials and assistantship application forms (www.uaex.edu/aqfi) and send to: Dr. Carole Engle Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, UAPB 1200 N. University Drive Mail Slot 4912 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 TEL: 870 575-8523 [email protected] (for questions only; hard copy applications required). -------- 2. Optimal Feeding Strategies of Channel Catfish for Cool Weather Feeding Description: While a number of winter feeding studies have been conducted on channel catfish over the years, there is a clear lack of understanding of the optimal feeding strategies for cool weather feeding. The successful applicant for this position will prepare a specific research proposal upon arriving on campus describing thesis research in the area of catfish physiology. Specifically, the student will examine winter feeding practices in channel catfish and gather data that evaluate endocrine & metabolic responses to experimental winter-feeding protocols and link these indices to production parameters collected from catfish ponds. A mixture of laboratory and field responsibilities will serve students with an interest to apply basic biology principles in an applied aquaculture setting. Qualifications: B.S. in aquaculture, fisheries, biology, or related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, and GRE score of 1,000+ (verbal + quantitative) are required for regular admission. Minimum TOEFL score of 550 for international students. Strong writing skills and computer proficiency are required. Demonstrated experiences with maintenance of animals/livestock, familiarity with aquaculture, analytical laboratory experience, and basic plumbing and construction skills are all desirable qualifications. Stipend: (Year 1 $17,800; Year 2 $18,800). Closing Date: Applications will be considered until a candidate is selected. Descriptions of application procedures and necessary forms can be found at the UAPB Aquaculture/Fisheries Center website, http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi/ . For further information on this specific opportunity please contact: Alf H. Haukenes Aquaculture/Fisheries Center 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4912 University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Email: [email protected] Phone: 870-575-8105 -------- 3. Controlling Copepod Populations for Water Reuse Freshwater supplies in the US have seen tremendous declines over the last several decades. Consequently, water used for aquaculture purposes will need to be reused in the near future. However, water reused in ponds needs to be free of larval fish predators, intermediate disease hosts, as well as disease organisms. Investigating methods to control cyclopoid copepods, known larval fish predators, in water destined for reuse is essential. Several aquaculture ponds throughout Arkansas will be monitored over a production cycle to determine copepod population cycles. Toxicity tests to several compounds will be tested to determine methods of control. Responsibilities: The successful applicant will conduct her/his M.S. degree research on cyclopoid copepod population dynamics and the toxicity of various chemicals to them. Qualifications: B.S. in aquaculture, fisheries, or related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, and GRE score of 1,000+ (verbal + quantitative). Minimum TOEFL score of 500 for international students. The student needs to enjoy the combination of field and laboratory work. Salary: Year 1 $17,800; Year 2 $18,800. Closing Date: Applications will be considered until a candidate is selected. Contact: Please complete graduate application materials and assistantship application forms ( http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi ) and send to: Dr. Anita M. Kelly Aquaculture/Fisheries Center University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 1200 N. University Drive; Mail Slot 4912 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (501)676-3124 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi/ -------- 4. Development of Mathematical Models of Catfish Production Characteristics Channel catfish, Ictalurus punctatus, composes the major portion of aquaculture in the United States. Pond production research studies have evaluated the effects of stocking density, size at stocking, and various feeding and cropping systems on growth, yield, and costs. The students selected for this assistantship will combine data from these studies in a meta-analysis to develop comprehensive mathematical models of catfish production. Qualifications: B.S. degree in aquaculture, fisheries or a related field, a minimum GPA (last 2 years) of 3.0 and GRE score of 1,000 (verbal + quantitative). The student needs to enjoy the combination of field and laboratory work Stipend: $17,800 first year, $18,800 second year Deadline: Open until candidate is found. To apply: Complete graduate application materials and assistantship application forms ( www.uaex.edu/aqfi/ ) and send to: Dr. Carole Engle Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, UAPB 1200 North University Drive Mail Slot 4912 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 TEL: 870-575-8523 E-mail: [email protected] (for questions only; hard copy applications required). -------- 5. Characterization of Fish Holding Shed Water Quantity and Quality Aquaculture pond effluents have been characterized, but only preliminary data are available on the characteristics of effluents from holding sheds. Shed effluent characterization is particularly challenging in that effluent quality and volume vary greatly over time. For example, minnows typically are harvested during the week, hardened and graded, and held prior to transport to retail outlets targeting weekend sales. Vats are flushed after newly harvested fish are unloaded and then daily, typically in the morning. Fish loading rates will vary with sales and will change seasonally, as will on-farm hauling tank water quality, the water that is discharged together with harvested fish, into the holding vats. Holding shed effluent characteristics will be monitored quarterly over a year (winter (Jan-Feb); siring (April-May); summer (July-Aug); and fall (Oct- Nov)). Responsibilities: The successful applicant will conduct his/her M.S. degree research on fish holding shed discharge water quality and quantity. Qualifications: B.S. in aquaculture, fisheries, or related field, minimum GPA of 3.0, and GRE score of 1,000+ (verbal + quantitative). Minimum TOEFL score of 500 for international students. The student needs to enjoy the combination of field and laboratory work. Salary: Year 1 $17,800; Year 2 $18,800. Closing Date: Applications will be considered until a candidate is selected. Contact: Please complete graduate application materials and assistantship application forms ( www.uaex.edu/aqfi/ ) and send to: Dr. Nathan Stone Aquaculture/Fisheries Center University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff 1200 N. University Drive; Mail Slot 4912 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 Phone: (870) 575-8138 Email: [email protected] Web Site: http://www.uaex.edu/aqfi/ --------- 6. Using National Retail Databases to Determine Market Trends for Aquaculture Products from the Southern Region of USA Description: Retailers are becoming dominant players in the seafood chain in the US and are providing their customers with an array of seafood products-fresh fish, frozen processed products and canned food. National scanner data provide a key opportunity and resource to understand current trends in the retail markets, and to analyze consumer preferences and diversified demand structures. Use of these data has the potential to lead to the design of production and marketing strategies that match market trends and consumer preferences. The student selected for this assistantship will use store scanner data to analyze market trends and retail pricing issues (e.g., retailers’ pricing behavior, market competition) for catfish, crawfish, clam, and shrimp, and will use household-based scanner data to analyze consumer behavior. Qualifications: Admission requires a B.S. degree in aquaculture, fisheries, agricultural economics, or a related field, a minimum GPA (last 2 years) of 3.0 and GRE score of 1,000 (verbal + quantitative). Minimum TOEFL score of 550 (paper based) or equivalent for international students. Strong quantitative (statistics, mathematics) skills and computer proficiency are required. Demonstrated experience with maintenance of large data set is a desirable qualification. Stipend: (Year 1 $17,800; Year 2 $18,800). Closing Date: Applications will be considered until a candidate is selected (proposed starting date August 1, 2009). To apply, complete graduate application materials and assistantship application forms (www.uaex.edu/aqfi) and send to: Dr. Madan M. Dey, Professor Aquaculture/Fisheries Center, UAPB 1200 N. University Drive, Mail Slot 4912 Pine Bluff, AR 71601 TEL: (870) 575-8108 Email: [email protected] (for questions only; hard copy applications required).
