Hillary Egna

Hillary Egna is a Professor and Senior Researcher in the Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences at Oregon State University, affiliated with the College of Agricultural Sciences. She serves as Director of the AquaFish Innovation Lab (formerly CRSP), a major international research initiative funded by USAID, focused on sustainable aquaculture, food security, and poverty reduction in developing countries.

• Institution: Oregon State University
• School: College of Agricultural Sciences
• Department: Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences
• Role: Professor (Sr Res), Director of AquaFish Innovation Lab
• Email: hiliary.egna@oregonstate.edu

Her research spans aquaculture systems, nutrition-sensitive aquaculture, gender equity, feed optimization, and climate resilience, with fieldwork across Africa and Asia. She has led numerous international projects and trained generations of aquaculture scientists.

Her recent publications reflect a strong focus on sustainable aquaculture practices, including Nile tilapia nutrition, mud crab farming in Bangladesh, school-based aquaculture in Nepal, and nutrient-rich fish powder for food-insecure populations. These works highlight her commitment to linking aquaculture with public health, education, and economic development.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Honorary Life Award, World Aquaculture Society (2012)
• Board for International Agriculture and Rural Development (BIFAD) Award for Scientific Excellence (2018)
• International Service Award, OSU University Day (2021)
• Faculty Recognition Award, College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences, OSU (2014)
• Women in Leadership Award, UNIFEM, United Nations (1997)
• AFS Gold Medal Award, Asian Fisheries Society (2016)

Dr. Egna has advised numerous international projects and mentored researchers across Africa and Asia. She has led large-scale, USAID-funded grants such as the AquaFish Innovation Lab, focusing on capacity building, gender integration, and sustainable development. Her work has significantly advanced the role of aquaculture in food security and rural livelihoods.

She leads the AquaFish Innovation Lab, a major international research consortium involving multiple universities and partner countries. Her team conducts interdisciplinary research on aquaculture technologies, value chains, and policy, with strong emphasis on gender equity and climate resilience.