At the time that James studied he did a Bachelor of Applied Science Aquaculture. Currently the degree is called the Bachelor of Aquaculture.

Did you have any experience of aquaculture before coming to the School?

Yes, I previously worked on a trout farm and a prawn farm. I had also completed a certificate in tropical aquaculture at Johnston Collage of Tafe

Why did you choose to study Aquaculture? Why study at the School of Aquaculture?

I have always been interested in aquaculture. The School of Aquaculture was/is recognised as the key centre for aquaculture research in Australia

What do you do now?

I am both completing my PhD in the effect of a certain Virus (gill associated virus) of prawn production and the development of cost effective detection methods. I am also working part time as a molecular biologist at Department of Primary Industry (aquatic pathology area)

What is the best part of your job?

Both finding out the unknown so you are the first person in the world to know it and it can not be obtain from a lecture or a text book and the field work associated with both the PhD and DPI for data collection

What was the best part of your degree? (the place, a particular unit, social activities?)

The best part of the degree were the practicals . they were very hands on and what you learnt was very realistic to aquaculture research

In what ways did your degree prepare you for your current job?

It taught me to think critically, to be open to new ideas and to be practical to how certain processors work

Were you able to pursue your hobbies whilst studying at the School of Aquaculture? (Please give details e.g. member of University dive club/ mountaineering association etc)

Most weekends I was able to go camping ( I still miss the ruggedness of West coast of Tasmania)

What for you was the best thing about studying at the School/ Uni of Tasmania/ in Launceston ?

Why would you recommend the School of Aquaculture?

Everything, I would not recommend any other Uni for aquaculture study. It taught me everything about aquaculture that I have needed to know, it taught good building blocks that I could use as a foundation for the working environment (ie aquaculture husbandry, both hatchery and growout) and for further study that I have completed. I have always used the foundations that I learnt at Uni of Tas.

Why would you recommend a career in Aquaculture?

It is a very dynamic and exciting area to be in. Throughout the world aquaculture in growing at a very fast rate. I have holidayed through parts of Asia and Europe and have always been able to use my aquaculture skills to obtain work.