Brian Preziosi

Contact Information

Phone: 508.843.8846

Email: brian.preziosi@maine.edu

Lab website: Link to Bowden Aquatic Animal Health Lab Facebook Page

Address: 

Advisor: Dr. Timothy Bowden

Education

Ph.D. Marine Bio-Resources, University of Maine, 2020
M.S. Marine Biology, University of Maine, 2013
B.A. Biology and Environmental Science, Wheaton College, 2010

Description

I am interested in how environmental impacts affect aquatic animals. I chose to focus on water temperature and sediment pH impacts for my PhD work as these are both changing relatively quickly in the Gulf of Maine. Currently I am researching how these parameters impact the immune capacity of the razor clam Ensis directus. This species is currently being developed for aquaculture operations at UMaine’s Darling Marine Center. A way to assess environmental impacts will be required once the cultivation methods have been fully developed as the clams must be planted outside the hatchery in the natural environmental for the grow-out phase. I use the hemocytes (circulating blood cells) of the clams as an indicator of immune capacity. This species currently has a low market value however providing a steady supply of product will likely increase consumer interest.