Message from the Chair
Hello, and thank you for visiting ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï ±«²Ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²õ¾±³Ù²â’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science within the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources. If you’re a farmer looking to learn more about growing fish, shrimp, or any other aquaculture product, or you want information about our academic programs or online courses, we want to hear from you. Please let us know how we may assist you.
School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
Aqua Research Center
103 Athletic Dr.
Frankfort, KY 40601
Email: Aqua@kysu.edu
Phone: (502) 597-8104
Fax: (502) 597-5088
Social Media:
History
The School of Aqua was initiated in the mid-1980s. Originally, it was exclusively dedicated to research and extension activities. However, in 1990, the first course was offered on an experimental basis. By 1992, an undergraduate minor in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences was first available, and in 1999 the Council on Post-Secondary Education approved KSU to offer a Master of Science Degree in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences.
Until the establishment of the College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences was the only program at KSU that addressed all three of the traditional Land Grant university roles: research, teaching, and extension. The School has class offerings over the full spectrum of aquaculture, including reproduction, nutrition, water quality, physiology, production systems, economics and marketing, and fish disease. The School also offers online classes at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Our School takes a comprehensive approach to aquatic science, from aquaculture and fisheries, to water treatment and natural resources conservation. We conduct the most cutting-edge scientific research, engaging educational opportunities, and extension services to help farmers, landowners, and industry partners in their aquatic needs. Our World-renowned faculty conduct research and teach courses in
| Water Quality Management | Fisheries Management |
| Aquatic Animal Health | Facilities Maintenance |
| Aquatic Animal Nutrition | Genetics |
| Reproduction & Physiology | Genomics |
| Technology & Management | Aquatic Ecology |
| Marine Biology | Recirculating Aquaculture |
| Pond Management | Aquatic Science |
We offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Aquatic Science, a Master’s Degree in Aquaculture and Aquatic Science, Certificates at the undergraduate and graduate level, and you can minor in Aquatic Science. We work with natural resource agencies to improve the health of our aquatic resources. We work with industry to evaluate new technologies, feed ingredients, analyze water, start new farming operations, and more. If you want to learn about or engage in anything to do with aquatic science and resources, come, give us a visit, a call, email, or follow us on social media. Join us as we change the world of water!
FACULTY IN THE SCHOOL OF AQUACULTURE AND AQUATIC SCIENCE
Andrew Ray, Ph.D.
Office: (502) 597-8109
Email: andrew.ray@kysu.edu
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
- Associate Professor
- Chair, School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science
Dr. Ray runs a productive research program that focuses on areas such as recirculating aquaculture systems development and management, water quality dynamics, water filtration technologies, denitrification, functional microbial ecology, brackish-water aquaponics, inland production of marine species, artificial seawater formulation, consumer perception and acceptance of seafood products, STEM education for a variety of student age groups, and farmer risk and needs assessment. He teaches the courses Water Quality Management, Water Quality Management Laboratory, and Recirculating Aquaculture. Dr. Ray works primarily with marine shrimp and marine fish so that farmers in inland locations can produce high-quality, sustainable, fresh seafood near consumer markets.
Key Words: aquaculture, RAS, marine shrimp, marine fish, microbial ecology, aquaponics, seawater formulation, risk assessment, water quality, denitrification, nitrification, filtration, new technology, teaching, mentoring
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
- Emeritus Professor
- Previous Chair for the School of Aquaculture & Aquatic Science
Dr. James H. (Jim) Tidwell is a distinguished aquaculture scientist and Emeritus faculty member at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï (KSU), where he began his career in 1987 and served as Professor and Chair of the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. Over more than 35 years at KSU, Dr. Tidwell provided leadership across the ±«²Ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²õ¾±³Ù²â’s aquaculture research, teaching, and Extension programs and was instrumental in the development of KSU’s graduate program in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences. His research has addressed aquaculture production systems, freshwater prawn culture, fish production, nutrition, aquaponics, and sustainable aquatic food production. Dr. Tidwell earned his Ph.D. in Aquaculture from Mississippi State University, an M.S. in Biology from Samford University, and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. His contributions to the field have been recognized nationally, including the United States Aquaculture Society Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and Mississippi State University College of Forest Resources Alumnus of the Year in 2008. Throughout his career, he has contributed extensively to scientific publications, books, applied research, student education, and the growth of ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï ±«²Ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²õ¾±³Ù²â’s nationally recognized aquaculture program.
Noel D. Novelo, Ph.D.
Office: (502) 597-8108
Email: noel.novelo@kysu.edu
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
- Assistant Professor
- President-Elect of the Kentucky Academy of Science 2023 Governing Board
- Faculty Advisor to the KSU United States Aquaculture Society Student Subunit
Noel D. Novelo, Ph.D., is of Yucatecan Maya and Spanish (Mestizo) descent. He is from Belize, but he currently lives in Kentucky and works as an Assistant Professor in Aquaculture Genetics and Extension in the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï (KSU). He serves as President-Elect of the Kentucky Academy of Science 2023 Governing Board (Board term 2022-2025), and as Faculty Advisor to the KSU United States Aquaculture Society Student Subunit. His academic training includes Multi-Cultural English Literature, Natural Resource Management, Public Administration, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences, and Wildlife and Fisheries Science. He has 20 years of experience in reproduction, culture, and genetics of farmed Aquatic species, specializing in Ornamental (Koi) Carp, Channel Catfish, and Nile Tilapia. His program of work seeks to expand agricultural production by securing and diversifying food production, developing and improving on Aquatic genetic resources, and creating resources based on assistive reproductive technologies such as ultrasound imaging and cryopreservation to advance Kentucky and U.S. aquaculture production, and to expand human health and business opportunities for minority and limited-resource farmers and U.S. consumers. He seeks to establish and expand collaborative efforts within the USA, and internationally— with Central America, the Caribbean, and other global regions.
Robert Durborow, Ph.D.
Office: (502) 597-6581
Email: robert.durborow@kysu.edu
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
- Professor
- State Extension Specialist for Aquaculture
- Assistant Research Director
Dr. Durborow directs the KSU Fish Disease Diagnostic Laboratory that includes a mobile responsive clinical fish health database. Dr. Durborow performs and directs research in the KSU College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources, including projects involving the KSU FDDL, treatment efficacy, medicated feed accessibility, increasing shelf life of processed fish, and occupational safety and health for aquaculturists and Gulf Coast seafood workers. Dr. Durborow teaches Fish Diseases (online and on campus) and Fish Diseases Laboratory (on campus) to undergraduate and graduate students.
Key Words: aquaculture, fish production, fish health, fish disease, fish disease diagnostic laboratory, microbiology, bacteriology, parasitology, pond management, Aquatic weed control, water quality management, food systems leadership, occupational safety and health, directing agricultural research, Extension specialist, fish diseases course, fish diseases laboratory course, online courses, on-campus courses
Waldemar Rossi Jr, Ph.D.
Office: (502) 597-8130
Email: waldemar.rossi@kysu.edu
College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources
- Professor
- Aquaculture Nutrition Research Program Leader
Dr. Waldemar Rossi leads the Aquaculture Nutrition research program, which focuses on the nutritional optimization of feeds for finfish and crustacean species of commercial relevance in aquaculture. Primary research interests include raw material evaluations, determination of nutritional requirements, testing of feed additives, and feed formulation. Within the M.S. in Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences Program, Dr. Rossi teaches Fish Nutrition, advises graduate and undergraduate students, and provides technical support to stakeholders in aquaculture nutrition-related areas.
Key Words: Aquaculture nutrition, nutritional requirements, raw materials, additives, supplemental enzymes, aquafeeds, feed formulation, finfish nutrition, shrimp nutrition.
Dr. Erbland has 25 years of experience in aquaculture and aquatic ecology working across many sectors including regulation, restoration, research, education and industry. He is especially interested in research and development of systems and species to produce sustainable seafood with minimal environmental footprint. He has previously worked with land based, Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS), Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture (IMTA), shellfish aquaculture, microalgae production and sustainable feed production. Dr. Erbland teaches the Principles of Aquaculture (AQU 422/522) and Survey of Production Methods (AQU 451/551) courses.
Keywords: aquaculture, recirculating aquaculture, RAS, fish production, marine biology, aquatic ecology, water quality, filtration, technology, automation, sustainability, aquafeeds
Assistant Professor
Pond Management and Aquaculture Extension
Contact Information
Office: Aquaculture Research Center, ÍøÆسԹÏ
Phone: (502) 597-8107
Email: dayan.perera@kysu.edu
Dr. Dayan A. Perera is an Assistant Professor of Pond Management and Aquaculture Extension in the School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences at ÍøÆسԹÏ. He leads the University's statewide Extension program in pond management and aquaculture, providing science-based education and technical assistance to producers, landowners, Extension agents, natural resource professionals, and the general public throughout Kentucky. His program is dedicated to improving the health, productivity, and sustainability of Kentucky's thousands of private ponds while supporting the continued growth and economic development of the Commonwealth's aquaculture industry.
Dr. Perera's Extension and applied research program focuses on the management of ponds used for aquaculture, recreational fisheries, and other multiple-use purposes. His areas of expertise include pond water quality, aquatic weed identification and management, fish health, pond ecology, aquatic habitat improvement, and sustainable aquaculture production. He works closely with clientele across Kentucky through on-site consultations, diagnostic services, educational workshops, field demonstrations, Extension publications, and producer training programs that promote science-based management practices and long-term stewardship of aquatic resources.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Dr. Perera has more than 20 years of experience in aquaculture research, teaching, and Extension. Prior to joining ÍøÆسԹÏ, he served as an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he developed nationally recognized Extension programming and conducted applied research in aquaculture production systems. His research and professional collaborations have taken him throughout the United States and internationally, including projects in Vietnam, the Philippines, and the Canary Islands.
Dr. Perera teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in aquaculture and aquatic sciences while mentoring the next generation of aquatic resource professionals. His research integrates applied science with Extension outreach and focuses on developing practical, science-based solutions that improve pond management, enhance aquaculture production, and strengthen aquatic resource stewardship. Through collaborative research and stakeholder engagement, his goal is to improve the sustainability, productivity, and profitability of aquaculture and private pond management throughout Kentucky.
Current Research & Extension Interests
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Pond water quality monitoring, assessment, and management
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Aquatic weed identification and integrated management
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Farm pond and recreational fisheries management
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Commercial aquaculture production systems
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Split-pond and in-pond raceway production technologies
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Recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)
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Fish health, biosecurity, and disease prevention
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Sustainable aquaculture and best management practices
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Pond habitat enhancement and aquatic ecosystem management
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Aquaculture Extension education and workforce development
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Producer outreach and stakeholder engagement
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Applied research supporting Kentucky's aquaculture industry
Key Words: Aquaculture; Aquaculture Extension; Pond Management; Water Quality; Aquatic Weed Management; Fish Health; Pond Ecology; Recreational Fisheries; Farm Ponds; Aquaculture Production; Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS); Split-Pond Systems; Sustainable Aquaculture; Extension Education; Producer Outreach; Aquatic Resource Management.
Research Associate & State Specialist - Aquaponics
Contact Information
Office: Aquaculture Research Center, ÍøÆسԹÏ
Phone: (502) 597-6687
Email: janelle.hager@kysu.edu
-
Aquaponics
- Genomics
Janelle Hager, M.S., is the State Specialist for Aquaponics and a Research and Extension Associate at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï (KSU), where she works through Cooperative Extension and the ±«²Ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²õ¾±³Ù²â’s Aquaculture Research Center. Her work focuses on aquaponics research, education, and Extension outreach, with an emphasis on developing practical and sustainable production methods for small and limited-resource farmers. Hager developed KSU’s first fully online aquaponics course for undergraduate and graduate students and has been actively involved in research addressing nutrient cycling, food safety, plant production, and resource efficiency in aquaponic systems. She was also a lead author of KSU’s Aquaponics Production Manual: A Practical Handbook for Growers and has played a key role in federally funded aquaponics research at the University. In addition to her research and teaching activities, Hager works with farmers, students, community organizations, and industry partners to expand aquaponics and controlled-environment agriculture throughout Kentucky. She has also held a leadership role with the Aquaponics Association.
Consulting Aquaculture Specialist
Contact Information
Email: ksemmensaqua@gmail.com
Dr. Kenneth J. (Ken) Semmens is was an Associate Professor of Aquaculture at Kentucky State ±«²Ô¾±±¹±ð°ù²õ¾±³Ù²â’s School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science and previous Chair, specializing in fish physiology, reproduction, and sustainable aquaculture production. He earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Fisheries from Auburn University and his B.S. in Fisheries from the University of Washington. A Certified Fisheries Professional through the American Fisheries Society, Dr. Semmens has extensive experience in aquaculture research, teaching, industry development, and commercial fish production. Since joining Kentucky State University in 2015, his research has focused on fish reproductive technologies, induced spawning, aquaculture production systems, and innovative approaches to improving profitability and sustainability for small-scale producers. He previously held leadership and research positions at West Virginia University, where he helped advance aquaculture development throughout the Appalachian region. Dr. Semmens served as Acting Chair of Kentucky State University's School of Aquaculture and Aquatic Science from February 2023 until April 2025 and has contributed to numerous externally funded research, education, and outreach initiatives supporting the aquaculture industry.
Adjunct Aquaculture & Aquatic Science Professor
Contact Information
Email: Minu.Kesheri@kysu.edu
Dr. Minu Kesheri joined the fraternity of Professors teaching at ÍøÆØ³Ô¹Ï in the year 2025. At ÍøÆسԹÏ, she has been involved in teaching lecture and lab courses for undergraduate and graduate students via in-person, hybrid, as well as dual credit virtual courses. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, USA. During her scientific stays at the University of Bordeaux campus in France, Poland, Switzerland, Germany, Spain, and Belgium, she delivered invited talks, presented posters, attended workshops, and served as a judge and chaired sessions at conferences. She earned her Ph.D. degree from the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India. She served as an Assistant Professor and Head of the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department in India at Shridhar University, Presidency University, and Amity University. She procured funding as Principal Investigator and was awarded as young scientist. She served as Research Associate at Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University, Huntington, West Virginia, USA. She has over a decade of experience in teaching, research and scientific career mentoring. She has published high impact peer-reviewed research articles, book chapters, edited and authored books. She is a reviewer and editorial board member of international scientific journals and committees. She believes that guiding young minds to nurture their scientific carrier is not only her passion but a pious deed and a pay back to the society!