Brian Small

Brian Small is a Professor of Fish Physiology and Director of the Aquaculture Research Institute at the University of Idaho's College of Natural Resources. His research focuses on the physiology and nutrition of aquacultured and wild fishes, with an emphasis on sustainable aquafeed development and gut microbiota dynamics. He holds a Ph.D. in Fish Nutrition/Physiology/Aquaculture (University of Maryland, 1998) and a B.A. in Marine Science and Chemistry (Kutztown University, 1992).

• Affiliations: Department of Fish and Wildlife Sciences, Hagerman Fish Culture Experiment Station.
• Key Research Themes: Alternative protein sources in aquafeeds, environmental stressors in fish, and microbiota-host interactions.

His work has contributed to understanding the impacts of plant-based diets, insect protein, and functional additives on fish growth and health. He has published extensively on topics such as bile acid supplementation, cadmium toxicity in channel catfish, and ghrelin receptor characterization. His awards include the Distinguished Early Career Award in U.S. Aquaculture (2007) and the Early Career Research Scientist Award (2006).

Dr. Small’s labs and partnerships include the Aquaculture Research Institute, where he explores solutions to global challenges in sustainable aquaculture. He advises students on projects spanning fish nutrition, environmental physiology, and aquaculture innovation.