Nicholas Phelps

Dr. Nicholas Phelps is a Professor, Interim Department Head, and Director of the Minnesota Aquatic Invasive Species Research Center (MAISRC) at the University of Minnesota. His work bridges fish health and aquatic invasive species (AIS) management through interdisciplinary collaborations.

• BS: Aquatic Biology, Bemidji State University
• MS: Fish Pathology, University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff
• PhD: Veterinary Medicine-Comparative Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota

His research focuses on emerging fish diseases, development of field-based molecular diagnostic tools, and ecosystem-scale modeling of AIS spread (e.g., zebra mussels, starry stonewort). Key projects include screening for Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia Virus (VHSV) and exploring native pathogens as biological controls for invasive species.

The 2016 publications highlight his expertise in pathogen discovery (totivirus, myocarditis-like virus) and ecological modeling of AIS niche shifts. His studies integrate One Health principles, linking aquatic health, human activities, and environmental impacts.

Phelps leads a diverse team including PhD/MS students Angelique Dahlberg, Kieran Smith, and Amanda Schuermann, and collaborates with labs like the Smanski Lab (genetic biocontrol) and Bischof Lab (cryopreservation technology). Former advisees have pursued impactful roles in environmental consulting, public health, and academia.

His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining veterinary medicine, molecular biology, and ecological modeling to address threats to aquatic systems. Current projects include zebra mussel suppression methods and swimmer's itch mitigation.