Uthpala Padeniya

Dr. Uthpala Padeniya

Department of Continuing Education, College of Menominee Nation, Keshena, USA
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orcid

Biography

I am an Aquaculture Research Associate at the College of Menominee Nation, with a PhD in Aquaculture from Auburn University. My work focuses on advancing sustainable aquaculture systems through research, education, and community engagement. My research integrates fish nutrition, microbiome studies, aquaponics, and biofloc systems to improve fish health, productivity, and environmental sustainability. I also apply molecular biology tools to better understand host–microbe interactions and their role in aquaculture performance. In addition to research, I actively contribute to extension and outreach by organizing workshops, student training programs, and aquaponics facility tours. These efforts aim to strengthen community knowledge, support local food systems, and promote sustainable aquaculture practices. I am particularly interested in bridging research and real-world application, with a long-term goal of contributing to both academia and applied aquaculture systems that enhance food security and ecosystem health.

Affiliations

College of Menominee Nation

Keshena, USA

Department of Continuing Education

Auburn University

Auburn, Alabama, USA

School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences

Pukyong National University

Busan, Republic of Korea

World Fisheries University

Honors and Awards

No honors or awards have been shared yet.

Experience

Senior Scientist or Principal Investigator

College of Menominee Nation, Keshena, USA

13 Jun 2025 - present

Graduate Student or Post Graduate

Auburn University, Auburn, USA

01 Jan 2022 - 12 May 2025

Graduate Student or Post Graduate

Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea

01 Jan 2021 - 31 Aug 2022

Undergraduate Student

University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Colombo, Sri Lanka

16 Jan 2015 - 25 Dec 2019