Chad Teal

Educational Background

I earned my PhD at the University of Arizona where I investigated the development of YY Red Shiner  Cyprinella lutrensis and Green Sunfish Lepomis cyanellus for means of invasive population eradication in the Southwest. Before coming to Arizona, I earned my Master’s degree from the University of Miami where I researched aquaculture techniques of novel marine finfishes (Cobia Rachycentron canadum, Mahi Mahi Coryphaena hippurus, and Florida Pompano Trachinotus carolinus) for commercial enterprises. I then went onto build and become the Lead Educator and Technical Director of an off-grid floating environmental education center called the Miami Science Barge. What I’m looking for in students: Enthusiasm! Everything else can be taught.

Emphasis

My lab's research focuses on fishes' biology for the development and implementation of novel technologies and techniques for fisheries management and aquaculture. This includes exploiting the sexual biology and specific life histories of invasive species to assist traditional removal efforts, investigating sustainable aquaculture technologies and practices, and utilizing genomic methods to eradicate aquatic invasives and conserve threatened species. We often investigate fundamental biological and ecological questions to understand life history and demographic processes in native and invasive fish species. We conduct applied research which can be useful for natural resource agencies and private industries alike.