Student Profile: Aquaculture Research Experiences

Through the Partnering to Boost Aquaculture Workforce Development in Wisconsin grant from the Freshwater Collaborative of Wisconsin, faculty and staff from UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee and UW-Stevens Point are partnering with commercial fish farms, K-12 schools and universities statewide to create training opportunities for high school and undergraduate students. Read more about the project. 

Here’s what students say about their experience.

  • Teo Buisson, undergraduate senior at University of California, San Diego
  • Charlotte Davis, senior at New Berlin Eisenhower High School
  • Adelaide Kemp, undergraduate senior at Willamette University
  • Pranil Panda, freshman at UW-Madison, graduate of New Berlin Eisenhower High School

What did you learn?

Davis: I learned many different things about tank maintenance, cleaning, animal feeding, and creation of new diet/ vitamin supplements. I learned the importance of precision and data keeping, and how to work effectively and efficiently with my peers. Most importantly, I learned about carrying out long-term and short-term studies on animals. This lab provided me with crucial insight into the field of biology, and how to create and carry out experiments that can collect important data for future research.

Kemp: I learned critical lab skills, including recording and keeping records of data collection, daily observations, animal care, experimental design and execution, dissections, fish physiology, statistical analysis, and scientific writing.

Buisson: Dr. Deng’s lab was my first experience with aquaculture research. I learned a lot about the commercial aquaculture industry, and understanding why our nutritional experiments are impactful to the efficiency of this industry. Beyond lab experience, this summer lab internship gave me the opportunity to lead a study, which taught me valuable knowledge on the scientific structure of research studies, data analysis and academic writing.

Panda: Working in Dr. Deng’s aquaculture labs taught me many things about the scientific process. I learned experimental design, lab procedures, animal handling skills, and how to use several scientific tools.

What was your favorite part about this experience?

Buisson: My favorite part of this experience has been feeding the tilapia every morning. They’re big fish, and their relentless splashing whenever I’d bring food woke me up better than coffee!

Davis: Shadowing the undergraduate students was such a unique experience. I was able to learn a magnitude of information from them that I would never have learned in a classroom or lecture setting. The hands-on learning was something that I will carry with me into my future university studies and career. I really enjoyed making connections with others and leaning on them when I needed help problem solving or working on a task. The sense of community and team unity in the lab was the main thing that kept me motivated.

Kemp: My favorite part of my summer experience was being in the Deng Lab community. Everyone was so supportive and willing to teach and to answer my questions. I am a better student and researcher because of my time there.

Panda: Getting to present the research I did at a major conference was an amazing experience. It was the first conference I have ever attended, and I learned a lot about the current state of aquaculture, improved a lot in my public speaking skills, and got to see the collaborative work between farmers, scientists, and government employees.

Anything else you want to add?

Davis: I was given room to grow and learn. I loved that I was able to help collaborate with the undergraduates to do tasks that I have never done before! I am so grateful to have this opportunity, and I had such a fun time participating.

Kemp: I hope to pursue Great Lakes ecology after graduation, but my time in Dr. Deng’s lab also broadened my interests to include fisheries science, fish biology, and the impact of climate change and contaminants in freshwater systems. I’m so grateful for my experience in Dr. Deng’s lab. It has provided me with skills and knowledge to pursue my goals more efficiently and prompted me to be more curious and engaged in freshwater and fishery research. 

Panda: Getting to work with Dr. Deng over two summers has been an invaluable experience for me. I am grateful to her and all those I met from it. Doing all this has really inspired me to pursue a career in science.

Buisson: After graduating from my undergraduate at UCSD, I’m hoping to continue my studies in graduate school, and to build a career in marine research and possibly teaching. This experience has set me up to attain my career goals. I’m so glad I was able to work with Dr. Deng and the members of her lab, who made working everyday much more enjoyable.