Ethan McAlhaney stands by recirculating aquaculture system tanks at the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
Ethan McAlhaney, the latest addition to our aquaculture program, supports the aquaculture research at the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center through his position as a laboratory and research specialist.

The summer brought a few new faces to the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center. One, in particular, has become a familiar sight on the aquaculture floor and helping hand to all our staff, faculty, and resident fish alike! 

Ethan McAlhaney joined us as a laboratory and research specialist and has been instrumental these past months in helping to maintain the aquaculture lab and our facility as a whole as our team awaits the completion of our new research and extension center facility. 

“He hit the ground running full stride on his first day and continues to be shoulders deep in resolving systems and pump maintenance,” said Steve Urick, research specialist and head of the aquaculture program at the Virginia Seafood AREC. “But perhaps most importantly, he has been a tremendous asset in instructing students and interns in all aspects of aquaculture.”

Ethan McAlhaney, laboratory and research specialist, feeding fish in a large tank.
Ethan McAlhaney, laboratory and research specialist, feeding fish as part of a study being conducted at the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center.

Before joining the Hokie team, Ethan gained skills working with Clemson University in an aquaponics lab and with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources at the Waddell Mariculture Facility working with Cobia and other saltwater game fish. In Miami, Florida, Ethan began working in the lake and wetland industry, stocking fish, managing invasives, and maintaining water quality. 

Now, Ethan supports our aquaculture program and research center by keeping the recirculating aquaculture system running smoothly, maintaining tanks, and tending to a variety of fish species involved with ongoing studies at our center.

"I am very thankful to the VSAREC staff for allowing me to further my fisheries knowledge. I hope to bring them new insights and gain some as well,” said Ethan. “What's a hokie? I guess I am now. Go Tigers and Go Hokies."