Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this intensive 36-month PHD…

Awards issued prior to january 20, 2025, were funded under previous administrations and may not reflect the priorities and policies of the current administration.** this intensive 36-month PHD traineeship program will produce three students from under-served and under-represented groups with a comprehensive education and skill set to make them highly competitive for careers in the USDA tesa of animal production. Students will be recruited to participate in the only PHD program currently offered at the university of arkansas at pine bluff - in aquaculture and fisheries. Students from diverse backgrounds will be given the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge and practical experiences in aquaculture to prepare them for high-level careers in the fanh fields. Project objectives include: 1) actively recruit 3 new PHD students from diverse backgrounds with outstanding academic records and interest in the targeted expertise shortage area (tesa) of animal production for the NNF trainee fellowships. 2) mentor and engage students in research projects requiring close interaction with industry professionals and stakeholders, academics, and/or state andfederal government agencies. 3) provide leadership training through a combination of on-campus and professional activities. This project aligns with USDA strategic plan goals #2 (maximize the ability of american agricultural producers to prosper by feeding and clothing the world), and #4 (facilitate rural prosperity and economic development). PHD students will be supported by their faculty advisors, dissertation committee, and the external professionals engaged in their research and professional development. Students will pursue unique lines of study focused on stakeholder-identified priorities in collaboration with: 1) the aquaculture industry (commercial fish farm); 2) a government agency (USDA/ARS); or a university. The relevant disciplines encompassed are animal science (a), and conservation and renewable natural resources (including sustainable agriculture) (c).this project targets the recruitment, education and comprehensive professional development of 3 PHD student from under-represented groups in the field of aquaculture and fisheries at the university of arkansas at pine bluff. Students from diverse backgrounds will be given the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and practical experiences in aquaculture to prepare them for high-level careers in the fanh fields. Project objectives include: 1) actively recruit 3 new PHD students from diverse backgrounds with outstanding academic records and interest in the targeted expertise shortage area (tesa) of animal production for the NNF trainee fellowships. 2) mentor and engage students in research projects requiring close interaction with industry professionals and stakeholders, academics, and/or state and federal government agencies. 3) provide leadership training through a combination of on-campus and professional activities. This project aligns with USDA strategic plan goals #2 (maximize the ability of american agricultural producers to prosper by feeding and clothing the world), and #4 (facilitate rural prosperity and economic development). PHD students will be supported by their faculty advisors, dissertation committee, and the external professionals engaged in their research and professional development. Students will pursue unique lines of study focused on stakeholder-identified priorities in collaboration with: 1) the aquaculture industry (commercial fish farm); 2) a government agency (USDA/ARS); or a university. The relevant disciplines encompassed are animal science (a), and conservation and renewable natural resources (including sustainable agriculture) (c). This intensive 36-month PHD traineeship program will produce three students from under-served and under-represented groups with a comprehensive education and skill set to make them highly competitive for careers in the USDA tesa of animal production.