UAPB’s Dr. Yathish Ramena recruits next generation of aquaculture/fisheries professionals

PINE BLUFF — Dr. Yathish Ramena, interim assistant dean for Extension and outreach for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences and director of UAPB’s Aquaculture and Fisheries Center of Excellence, is on a mission to recruit the next generation of aquaculture and fisheries professionals. He has been expanding the university’s outreach efforts to middle and high school students, inviting classrooms from across the state to pay a visit to UAPB so they can check out the department and its research station facilities.
“I think a lot of young people may first associate the field of aquaculture and fisheries with ponds and dirty, wet boots – but that is just one part of the equation,” Dr. Ramena said. “I want young students to come see our facilities firsthand. When they interact with our faculty, staff and students – when they see the technology we use – they will start to get an idea of the diverse opportunities available in this field. More than just ponds and muddy boots, the field of aquaculture/fisheries involves artificial intelligence (AI) applications, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry, and advanced electrical and electronic applications in the aquaculture and fisheries sector. It is a truly multi-dimensional science.”
During the tours he has been hosting, Dr. Ramena introduces visiting middle and high school students to UAPB’s new interactive AI lab. During hands-on exercises, students are able to see how AI is being used to control and monitor the growth and health of commercially important fish and shrimp species.
“Not all students know they have an aptitude for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects,” he said. “Sometimes it takes seeing a laboratory and getting the chance to use some of our cutting-edge technology for a student to discover their interest in this field. That is why I am encouraging high schoolers to come see our facilities. We are even starting to offer internships to high schoolers – this is an incredible opportunity as it gives them the chance to earn money and gain knowledge and invaluable experience before they even start college.”
Dr. Ramena said earning a graduate degree in aquaculture and fisheries gives students advanced knowledge in molecular biology, water quality, fish pathology and fisheries technology. Thanks to UAPB’s practical-based curriculum, upon graduation, they are ready to start their career in roles such as junior scientist or quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) laboratory manager. Graduates often find lucrative opportunities in the food industry, animal food production, academics or research.
Dr. Ramena, who earned his doctoral degree in aquaculture from UAPB, says his alma mater has a competitive advantage over other universities with programs in the field.

“We have state-of-the-art fisheries and aquaculture resources unlike other institutions,” he said. “Students can gain experience at our huge, market-size ponds. They also benefit from our collaboration with partners such as Mississippi State University and the Harry K. Dupree Stuttgart National Aquaculture Research Center (SNARC), which offer fantastic research opportunities. I completed the research for my doctoral degree in the center in Stuttgart.”
Dr. Ramena said his own interest in STEM and aquaculture/fisheries started at an early age.
“I’m originally from Eluru, Andhra Pradesh state in South India, which is known for its aquaculture,” he said. “I grew up surrounded by farms that produce shrimp and carp. In second grade I started raising fish in aquariums, and just a few years after that, I was breeding my own fish. I chose science as my specialty in high school and then went on to earn a degree in industrial fish and fisheries.”
He encourages parents to consider introducing their children to aquaculture/fisheries, agriculture and STEM subjects at an early age. For example, they can help their children start small-scale aquaculture or gardening projects at home, participate in youth science fairs or 4-H programs and take their children on visits to local farms, fisheries or aquaculture facilities. For information on upcoming family-friendly UAPB events related to aquaculture and fisheries, they can contact him at ramenay@uapb.edu.
Dr. Ramena also hopes Arkansas high school teachers register for UAPB's Aquaculture/Fisheries Aquatic Sciences Day, which is set for Thursday, November 7. This is a chance for students to learn about the wide range of opportunities in aquaculture and fisheries. The event is for all high school students, especially juniors and seniors interested in natural resources and agriculture/aquaculture careers. To register, they can contact Denise Haynes at (870) 575-8094 or haynesd@uapb.edu or Cheryl Waddel at (870) 575-8968 or waddellc@uapb.edu.