Deborah Bouchard

Associate Extension Professor, Aquatic Animal Heath SpecialistDeborah Bouchard
University of Maine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Laboratory
17 Godfrey Drive, Orono, Maine 04473
Phone: 207.581.2767
Email: deborah.bouchard@maine.edu

Deborah Bouchard is the Director of the University of Maine’s Aquaculture Research Institute and an Associate Professor of Aquatic Animal Health with UMaine’s Cooperative Extension. She has over 30 years of combined public and private sector experience in aquaculture diagnostics, research and industry collaborations. Her research focuses on contributing to new knowledge and enhancing aquaculture and marine fisheries health, production and economic development critical to sustainable Maine food systems. She has established strong collaborations with Maine Sea Grant, the Lobster Institute, the School of Marine Sciences, the School of Food and Agriculture, the Maine State Department of Marine Resources, the USDA Agriculture Research Service and other state and national programs that support sustainable aquaculture and fisheries.

Dr. Bouchard is the Project Leader for the Aquatic Animal Health Division of the UMaine Cooperative Extension Diagnostic Research Laboratory. She is experienced at managing large projects from the design phase to completion, skilled at relationship building with clients and across organizations and extension teams, and adept at assessing needs and implementing solutions in collaboration with stakeholders. Her research advances R&D in aquatic animal feeds, vaccines, therapeutic agents and feed supplements for aquaculture and marine resource industries, both nationally and internationally.

Education:

  • Ph.D., Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources, University if Maine, 2018
  • B.S., Microbiology, University if Maine, 1983

Professional Organizations:

  • World Aquaculture Society
  • State of Maine, Aquatic Animal Health Technical Committee
  • USDA/APHIS National Infectious Salmon Anemia (ISA) Technical Board
  • State of Maine, Lobster Bait Risk Assessment Review Committee
  • Alliance for Maine’s Marine Economy
  • SEAMaine (EDA) New Opportunities and Emerging Technologies