Tawni Riepe is being awarded the WDTU graduate fellowship and is a Master’s Student in Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology at Colorado State University.

She says that creeks, ponds, swamps, and reservoirs were the playgrounds of my childhood and the inspiration that led me to my current interest in fisheries science and disease ecology. The playground of my youth became my professional ecosystem and, as I have gained experience in aquatic biology, I have come to have a much greater, deeper appreciation of those diverse ecosystems. Early in my undergraduate education, I was exposed to fisheries research which solidified my interest in fish and disease ecology and I have been fortunate to be able to pursue my passion. During my journey I have gained valuable experience in fisheries biology, disease management, vertebrate pathogens, and even gained experience and passion in fishing for trout in Colorado’s beautiful waters!

Outside of my graduate education I still find myself immersed with fish. I just finished restoring a 1956 wooden boat and take that out to enjoy fishing for the species we all work hard to conserve! Other than fishing, I also find time to play violin, piano, go skiing, rock climbing, running, or spending the afternoon with my dog.

The research I am conducting in fish disease ecology will provide guidance for species conservation among sensitive populations not only in Colorado but around the world. Disease outbreaks in fish negatively affect the rapidly growing aquaculture industry worldwide. With aquaculture making up nearly 45% of total fish production globally for commercial fishing and food production, infectious disease can cause a huge challenge. To reduce the impact of fish disease, it is necessary to a understand how disease can be transmitted in an aquaculture facility, how to test for a particular pathogen, and to provide management opportunities to ensure fish on the facilities remain healthy; which is the scope of my research. Particularly I am interested in diagnostic methods to detect the bacterial pathogen Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of Bacterial Kidney Disease, in Cutthroat Trout and how to manage this pathogen in aquaculture facilities.