Thomas Kiffney

As a shellfish aquaculture specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and the Aquaculture Research Institute, Thomas bridges hands-on farming with applied science and environmental monitoring.

His research characterizes Maine’s nearshore shellfish growing environments by combining sensors deployed on commercial farms and high-resolution satellite data. Using statistical and mechanistic models, he links these environmental conditions directly to shellfish production.

Based at the Darling Marine Center, Thomas oversees an experimental sea farm where he collaborates with industry partners to test new gear, husbandry techniques, and emerging aquaculture species under real-world conditions and in collaboration with industry.

Education:

• Ph.D., Marine Biology, University of Maine, 2025
• B.A., Biology & Environmental Science, Colby College, 2018