(Photo by Tom Thompson)
By Laura Zseleczky
The Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS) is pleased to welcome Adithya Bindhu Sreekumar to the Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab, located on the Mississippi coast. A research associate in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, she will conduct research focused on investigating the interrelationships among viruses, microorganisms, and aquatic animals.
“I am very enthusiastic about this opportunity to join as a Research Associate II,” said Bindhu Sreekumar. “The laboratory's mission to enhance the health of aquatic animals and environments in the Gulf Coast region of Mississippi resonates deeply with my professional goals, and the GCAHFS commitment to establishing a high-quality facility for cutting-edge research and diagnostics presents an ideal environment for impactful work.”
Bindhu Sreekumar holds a Master of Fisheries Science from the Central Institute of Fisheries Education in Mumbai, India, and a Bachelor of Fisheries Science, specializing in fisheries and aquaculture, from Andhra Pradesh Fisheries University. Her research expertise lies in selective breeding, bioinformatics, and microbial genomics with a strong foundation in statistical modelling and data analysis.
“We are delighted to welcome Adithya to our team,” said Arun Venugopalan, assistant research professor in the Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine at the Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab. “Her background in fish genetics and breeding—as well as a strong academic foundation and practical experience in bioinformatics, genetics, and genomics—will be a tremendous contribution to our work to keep our environment safe and the many animals that call the Mississippi Sound home healthy.”
Bindhu Sreekumar says she is especially interested in applying her research skills to support work that spans disciplines and addresses stakeholder needs. “I aim to contribute to monitoring and enhancing marine animal health by leveraging my expertise in bioinformatics and genomics to drive innovative solutions for sustainable aquaculture. I’m also eager to collaborate on interdisciplinary projects integrating science and local stakeholder needs.”
The Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security works to reduce world hunger and improve aquatic animal health; it is affiliated with the College of Veterinary Medicine. To learn more about GCAHFS and the MSU Gulf Coast Aquatic Health Lab, go to www.gcahfs.msstate.edu.