Mark Lawrence, PhD, DVM
Mississippi State University
Tell us about your background and research interests.
I got my DVM from Texas A&M University and my PhD in aquatic animal health from Louisiana State University. My PhD dissertation was on development of a live attenuated vaccine for Edwardsiella ictaluri, a fish pathogen that has significant impact on health of catfish in aquaculture. Since I’ve been on faculty at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine, I’ve continued my research program investigating pathogenesis and genomics of bacterial diseases of catfish, including Edwardsiella ictaluri, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Flavobacterium columnare. I also work on vaccine development and have patented a live attenuated vaccine for E. ictaluri.
How does your research in fish health inform your vision for the Fish Innovation Lab?
Fish health is often overlooked when aquaculture is being developed. However, the history of aquaculture has shown that when fish are cultivated in aquaculture, disease losses are a major impediment to profitability and sustainability of aquaculture. I like to think I have a balanced perspective of aquaculture, and I recognize that without good feed, quality genetic stocks, and effective husbandry, aquaculture can’t even get started. I also realize that the human outcomes from aquaculture, such as providing a good livelihood and having access to markets, are critical. So fish health has to be well managed, and it is a very important part of the aquaculture system.
In your view, what are the most pressing challenges related to food and nutrition security worldwide and what are some ways we can overcome these challenges?
Some of the biggest challenges in using aquaculture and fisheries to address food and nutrition security are about getting the tools and knowledge to the people who need them most. But then having systems in place so that those producing fish can access a market to sell them is also critical. One of the most discouraging aspects of aquaculture and fisheries is the amount that is lost to spoilage or contamination. Innovative solutions enabling small producers and fishers to have reliable access to markets and have a secure livelihood is critical, as well as developing real-world solutions for practical methods to preserve fish and reduce post-harvest losses.
What do you wish other people knew about fish and/or food security?
The bottom-line issue that drew me into international development of aquaculture is the potential of fish for solving food and nutrition security. I wish more people knew how nutritious fish are and their potential for improving health of children. When I learned how fish can be a vital source of protein and micronutrients to reduce childhood stunting, I decided to invest my efforts into helping make fish more available as a food source for our world’s most vulnerable populations.
If you weren’t a professor and higher ed administrator, what other careers might you have pursued?
I have always loved history. If I didn’t pursue biology, I probably would have been a history major. I don’t know what career I would have pursued, but I still love reading history.
What are your hobbies or activities outside of work?
My wife, Jenny, and I have seven sons, so almost all my time outside work is spent with family. My wife and I love to travel together and see new things. And of course, my wife and I love spending time with our boys and watching them develop into young men who will do greater things than I accomplish.
What is on your bucket list?
My wife and I have several places we’ve never been that we want to see together. England is at the top of our list, but Germany, Hawaii, and Japan are all places we want to visit. Other than that, my wife and I want to see all of our boys graduate, get married, and spend as much time with our future grandkids as possible!
If you would like to, tell us about your family, where you are from, and any personal details you would like to share.
I am originally from Texas, and I met my wife in Dallas when I was in small animal practice. She is my inspiration and the reason I’ve been able to accomplish what I’ve done. My father, Addison Lawrence, is a retired professor of shrimp mariculture at Texas A&M University. He was my inspiration to pursue fish health and a career in academia. My Grandma, Georgia Lawrence, believed in education, and through her tireless investments of love and time, she inspired her sons, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren to pursue their dreams.