The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Sophie's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Sophie
PhD Student - Biological Sciences (Fish Health and Nutrition)
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Member of the Fish Health and Nutrition research group
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Research topic: Steering microbiomes to ensure rainbow trout health and welfare
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Director of Studies: Dr. Daniel Merrifield
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2nd Supervisor: Dr. Mark Rawling
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My research is part of the AQUAWELL a multi-university project which aims to advance the welfare and performance of Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in early life stages, a species of great economic and societal importance. This project will examine how early life microbiomes can be modulated to shape gut and mucosal microbiomes for long term health and welfare benefits and how different water qualities influence microbiome dynamics. This projects also aims to assess the stability and resilience of microbiomes over time and investigate how different microbiomes profiles affect fish responses to stress and disease.
This project will contribute to the improvement of recirculating aquaculture facilities, husbandry methods as well as the development of new rearing techniques. These findings will also help improve aquaculture fish resilience and robustness and welfare in a more sustainable way and in reducing mortalities, lowering the use of medicines of environmental concern such as antibiotics, and increasing the economic revenue of fish farms. All while addressing the increasing public concern of animal welfare in aquaculture.
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Contact Sophie