Stephen Reichley, DVM, PhD, CertAqV
Mississippi State University
Tell us about your background and international/research-for-development interests.
I received my Bachelor of Science degree from The University of Findlay, my DVM degree from The Ohio State University, and my PhD from Mississippi State University. During my time at Ohio State, I was fortunate to serve as an intern at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome. I also spent time in Europe at a variety of private companies, government organizations, and academic institutions. Before joining the Fish Innovation Lab, I served as the Director of R&D and Fish Health for the largest producer of freshwater rainbow trout in the United States. My research and outreach interests involve all aspects of improving aquaculture production, with particular interest in risk mitigation.
How does your background in aquatic animal health at Mississippi State University inform your approach at the Fish Innovation Lab?
Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine has a long-standing reputation of advancing foodfish aquaculture and aquatic animal health. We have one of the largest teams of aquatic animal health specialists among U.S. colleges of veterinary medicine. Complementing this group are our engaged researchers and clinicians, many of whom are board-certified veterinary specialists. This strong team positions us well for interdisciplinary approaches to implement the Fish Innovation Lab’s research and capacity-building goals. In addition to my role at Mississippi State, I am fortunate to serve as president of the World Aquatic Veterinary Medical Association. I look forward to using this experience and network to further advance collaborative efforts.
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?
There are many global challenges related to food and nutrition security. I think two of the most pressing are finding ways to increase productivity, efficiency, and resiliency of aquaculture and fisheries and improving access and availability of diverse, high-quality food to all populations. These are not easy challenges to overcome, especially given the diversity of societies around the world and the many unique and shared obstacles they face. We can overcome these challenges by approaching them with multidisciplinary teams comprised of individuals with unique professional and societal perspectives.
What do you wish other people knew about fish and/or food security?
I wish people more fully understood the health benefits of eating fish and fish products for everyone – men, women, pregnant or nursing women, and children. With increased understanding, I hope people could make behavioral changes to include these nutrient-dense food sources in their diets. I also wish people appreciated the vital role fish and fish products play in the food security of many people, particularly in developing nations and economically disadvantaged populations.
If you weren’t a professor, what other careers might you have pursued?
Being a professor and researcher was not what I envisioned when I first developed an interest in veterinary medicine. At the beginning of my veterinary program, my career aspirations were to become either a veterinary surgeon focusing on orthopedics or a companion animal general practitioner. Since developing an interest in aquatic animals, if I were not in academia, I would likely be involved in foodfish aquaculture production like I was before joining Mississippi State.
What are your hobbies or activities outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy anything related to outdoor activities and traveling. I also enjoy cooking, especially dishes from different cultures. Reading is also something I thoroughly enjoy, typically alternating between nonfiction and fiction books on a variety of topics.
What is on your bucket list? (What do you hope to do, accomplish, see, experience, etc. in your lifetime that you haven’t yet?)
Traveling and experiencing different places and cultures have always been high on my bucket list. I have been fortunate to visit most of the states in the United States (I have six left) and numerous countries. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my travels as part of my role at the Fish Innovation Lab, meeting new people, and expanding my cultural perspectives.
If you would like to, tell us about your family, where you are from, and any personal details you would like to share.
I was born and raised in Ohio, where my family still resides. I am the outlier of the family currently living in Mississippi after a stint in Idaho.