The Global Center for Aquatic Health and Food Security (GCAHFS) is proud to support the newly formed United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) Student Subunit at Mississippi State University.
Established in 2025 by undergraduate and graduate students with faculty advisors from the College of Veterinary Medicine and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, the organization is building a community for students interested in aquaculture while strengthening connections with the industry and creating opportunities for educational, professional and social engagement.
“The Student Subunit was created to build a strong community of aquaculture students at Mississippi State University, represent the university within the national aquaculture community, strengthen connections between students and the aquaculture industry, and promote educational, professional and social engagement among students and faculty,” said Vitor Fernandes Silva, president of the USAS Student Subunit.
GCAHFS has supported the organization by helping provide students with opportunities to visit multiple sectors of Mississippi’s catfish production industry and learn directly from aquaculture professionals.
“These experiences have expanded students’ understanding of aquaculture, strengthened their professional networks, and contributed significantly to their academic and career development,” Silva said. “GCAHFS has played an important role in supporting our students to become more engaged and prepared to contribute to the future of the aquaculture industry.”
Mississippi State was recently ranked the No. 1 university in the world for aquaculture by ScholarGPS, recognizing the university’s strength in aquaculture research and impact.
“GCAHFS is committed to engaging and supporting students from across Mississippi State and connecting them with opportunities to learn, collaborate and prepare for careers in sustainable aquaculture and aquatic health,” said Dr. Stephen Reichley, GCAHFS associate director. “We applaud these students for taking the initiative to establish a USAS Student Subunit here at MSU, ranked the No. 1 university in the world for aquaculture by ScholarGPS. We are excited to support their activities and continued growth.”
Through its support of the USAS Student Subunit, GCAHFS continues to help connect MSU students with the people, experiences and opportunities shaping the future of global aquaculture.