Michael Habte-Tsion

H-Michae Habte-TsioAssistant Extension Professor and Finfish Nutrition Specialist
5751 Murray Hall, 23 Flagstaff Road, Orono, ME 04469
Phone: 207.581.3116
Email: michael.habtetsion@maine.edu

Michael has joined as Assistant Extension Professor and Finfish Nutrition Specialist at University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Aquaculture Research Institute, effective July 1, 2021. He has extensive knowledge and experience (18 years) in aquaculture research, extension, education, and industry. He does research in fish nutrition and nutrigenomics, including diet formulation, alternative ingredients evaluation, and nutrients requirements using production performance, physio-biochemical, immunological, and molecular approaches. He has relevant experience in project designing and implementing, finfish culture in the RAS and the feed production industry. At UMaine, Michael’s primary responsibility includes research in finfish nutrition, fish immuno-nutrition and nutrigenomics. Michael is also involved in collaboration and outreach with the aquaculture industry and stakeholders, as well as in grant writing, leading projects, student mentoring, teaching, graduate advisory committee, and conducting experiential workshops. Overall, Michael’s works are fundamental in developing nutritionally-balanced, environment-friendly, and cost-effective feed for sustainable aquaculture of fish in the local and beyond.

Education:

  • Ph.D., 2013 – 2016: Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
    Major: Aquaculture; Specific field: Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Nutrigenomics
    Dissertation topic: Effect of dietary threonine on the growth, digestion capacity and immunity of juvenile blunt snout bream (Megalobrama amblycephala). Advisor: Prof. Xianping Ge, Ph.D.
  • M.Sc., 2011 – 2013: Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
    Major: Aquaculture; Specific field: Aquatic Animal Nutrition and Feed Technology
    Thesis topic: Effect of dietary protein level on the growth performance, physiological responses and digestive enzymes activities in Wuchang bream, M. amblycephala fry under acute high temperature challenge. Advisor: Prof. Xianping Ge, Ph.D.
  • B.Sc., 1998 – 2002: University of Asmara, Asmara, Central Region, Eritrea.
    Major: Marine Biology & Fisheries
    Thesis topic: Monitoring the State of Eritrea fisheries using community indices. Advisor: Dr. Iyob Tsehaye, Ph.D.

Work-related Certificates:

  • 2021 (July-present): Assistant Extension Professor and Finfish Nutrition Specialist – Cooperative Extension and Aquaculture Research Institute, University of Maine, Orono, ME, USA.
  • 2020 – 2021: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Florida Atlantic University-Harbor branch, Fort Pierce, FI, USA.
  • 2018 – 2019: Research Associate – Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY, USA.
  • 2017 (April – Dec): Postdoctoral Research Assistant – Kentucky State University, Frankfort, KY, USA.
  • 2010 – 2011: Manager of Aquaculture Project – Ministry of Marine Resources, Massawa, Eritrea.
  • 2005 – 2011: Researcher and Operation Manager – Fishmeal and Animal Feed Plant, Massawa, Eritrea.
  • 2003 – 2004: Researcher – Mercy Corps Eritrea (International NGO), Asmara, Eritrea.
  • 2002 – 2005: Researcher and Head of Feed Production – Seawater Farms Eritrea, Massawa, Eritrea.
  • Grants Summary (2003 – present, 15 funded grants in the United States and other countries):
    2017– present: 9 funded grants/projects in the United States, including by USDA-ARS, USDA-Evans-Allen, Alltech, Kentucky Soybean Board, Ohio Soybean Council, etc.
  • Publications: 73 publications including 47 peer-reviewed journal articles (Scientific Reports, Fish & Shellfish Immunology, British Journal of Nutrition, Aquaculture, Aquaculture Nutrition, etc.), book, book chapters, dissertation, thesis, conference proceedings and so on. These publications cited more than 960 times (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=AECE3jQAAAAJ).

Professional Organizations:

  • Professional member of The World Aquaculture Society (WAS).
  • Editorial Board member of 2 journals and Reviewer of more than 20 peer-reviewed journals including Scientific Reports, British Journal of Nutrition, Fish & Shellfish Immunology, etc.