Dong Fang Deng

Dr. Dong Fang Deng is a Freshwater Technology Professor at the School of Freshwater Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. His research focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices, particularly optimizing feed formulations to reduce reliance on fishmeal/oil and improve fish health under environmental stressors. He holds a PhD in Nutrition from the University of California-Davis, with additional degrees in Aquaculture Nutrition and Zoology from Zhongshan University.

Key research areas include:

• Quantifying nutrient requirements across fish life stages and aquaculture systems
• Developing alternative feed ingredients (e.g., brewery waste, microalgae)
• Studying microbiome and stress response mechanisms in fish
• Evaluating impacts of microplastics and environmental toxins

Recent work emphasizes integration of statistical modeling with traditional feeding trials to optimize feeding strategies for species like yellow perch, lake sturgeon, and tilapia. Over 40 peer-reviewed articles demonstrate expertise in feed formulation, stress physiology, and sustainable aquaculture systems.

His lab operates within the Great Lakes Research Facility, collaborating on projects addressing Great Lakes aquatic ecosystems and commercial fish species.