David Gauthier

David Gauthier is a Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences within the College of Sciences at Old Dominion University. His research integrates marine science, microbiology, and molecular biology to address critical issues in aquatic animal health, particularly focusing on fish diseases in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and their broader ecological implications.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Marine Science from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, The College of William & Mary (2004) and a B.S. in Zoology from Michigan State University (1996). This foundation enables his interdisciplinary approach to aquatic pathogen research.

Dr. Gauthier's research spans mycobacteriosis in striped bass, eco-epidemiology of tick-borne pathogens, and genomic analysis of fish pathogens. His work examines how environmental stressors like temperature and hypoxia interact with infectious diseases, while developing molecular tools for pathogen detection and population genetics. Recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on methodological innovation in genomics alongside field studies of marine disease systems.

His scientific contributions have been recognized through significant awards for mentorship and teaching excellence:

• College of Sciences Undergraduate Advisor Award (2014)
• Provost’s Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor (2014)
• Shining Star Award from ODU Division of Student Affairs (2009)

As a principal investigator, he has secured over $12 million in research funding from federal agencies (NIH, NSF), state programs, and private foundations. His grants include major projects like the MARC Undergraduate Training Program ($1.5M) and spatial eco-epidemiology studies of tick-borne diseases ($2.5M), demonstrating his leadership in both research and undergraduate training. His collaborative network spans multiple institutions with frequent partnerships on fish health and vector-borne disease projects.

Dr. Gauthier maintains an active research program involving genomic analysis of fish pathogens and eco-epidemiological field studies, primarily focused on the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem and its economically important fish species.