Mark Lawrence

Dr. Mark Lawrence is a Professor and Director at Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences. He serves as Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish and Director of the Global Center for Aquatic Food Security (GCAFS) at Mississippi State University. Previously, he served as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies from 2011-2018.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Veterinary Medicine and Science, Louisiana State University and A&M College, 1997
• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.), Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, 1990
• Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Veterinary Medicine and Science, Texas A&M University, 1988

Dr. Lawrence is a veterinary microbiologist specializing in aquatic animal health, particularly bacterial diseases of catfish and other aquaculture species. His research focuses on mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis using comparative genomics, proteomics, and gene expression analysis to identify virulence factors and develop live attenuated vaccines. Key pathogens studied include Edwardsiella ictaluri, Flavobacterium columnare, Aeromonas hydrophila, and Listeria monocytogenes. His work has significant implications for food safety, aquaculture biosecurity, and improving global nutrition through sustainable fish production.

Analysis of Dr. Lawrence's recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on molecular mechanisms of bacterial virulence in fish pathogens, vaccine development, and diagnostic methods. His research spans comparative genomics of Edwardsiella species, molecular characterization of Flavobacterium columnare, and understanding Listeria monocytogenes pathogenesis. A notable trend is the expansion of his work into environmental health, as evidenced by studies on microplastics and PFAS in marine mammals.

Dr. Lawrence has secured significant funding through his leadership roles, most notably directing the USAID-funded Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Fish, which serves countries including Nigeria, Bangladesh, Kenya, Cambodia, and Zambia. He manages the Marine Mammal-Sea Turtle Conservation, Recovery, and Management program in collaboration with the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies. His diagnostic work in the Fish Diagnostic Laboratory has handled over 700 cases, primarily serving the Mississippi catfish industry.

Dr. Lawrence leads the Global Center for Aquatic Food Security, which brings together multidisciplinary experts in aquaculture, fisheries, social sciences, and agricultural economics. He has formal collaborations with the FAO Aquaculture Branch as part of the Global Aquaculture Advancement Partnership. His laboratory work focuses on bacterial pathogenesis mechanisms and vaccine development, with particular emphasis on Edwardsiella ictaluri and Aeromonas hydrophila in catfish aquaculture.