Overview
Profile summary
- Research Fellow in Aquatic Animal Health and Aquaculture - Fish Nutrition and Health Research Team
- Specialist in fish and shrimp health, functional feed additives, and Aquaculture Health Management
Roles on external bodies
- Editorial Board Member:
- Frontiers in Microbiology - Aquatic microbiology section (2023-present)
- International Aquafeed
- Associate Editor - Aquaculture International
- Invited Reviewer:
- Invited reviewer for The Royal Society and UKRI
- Invited reviewer for >15 leading journals in the fields of aquaculture, microbiology, aquatic immunology and aquatic biochemistry
Additional information
Qualifications:
- 2002-2005 - BSc (Hons) Marine Biology and Oceanography
- 2007-2008 - MRes (Distinction) Applied Fish Biology
- 2009-2013 - Ph.D. Biological Sciences - thesis title 'The Assessment of selected novel feed ingredients to replace fishmeal on the nutrition and health status of ornamental fish'
- 2016 - Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice (PGCAP)
Research interests:
The researcher focused on the health and productivity of aquaculture species, particularly fish and shrimp. My work combines immunology, nutrition and physiology to develop strategies that improve disease resistance and optimise functional feed formulations. I am passionate about translating research into practical solutions for sustainable aquaculture systems, supporting both industry growth and animal welfare.
Links:
Loop profile - https://loop.frontiersin.org/people/624193/overview
Recent Research Projects
Teaching interests
Teaching - Current
- ANIM5012 – Aquarium Health and Nutrition - Co-leader
- BIO504 – Health and Production in Aquaculture
- BIOL133Z - Principles of Physiology
- MAR153X - Research Skills and Methods
- PROJ522 - MSc Dissertation
Professional memberships
- Fish Nutrition and Health Research Team - Research Fellow
- Environmental and Applied Biology - Research Group
- Marine Institute
- Member of British Society for Immunology
- Member of International Society of Developmental and Comparative Immunology (ISDCI)
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
Supervised research degrees
Higher Education supervision:
- Active director of studies (DoS) for 1 Ph.D
- Active as second supervisor for 3 Ph.Ds
- Second and third supervisor to 4 Ph.D. studentships to completion
Research Interests
- Aquaculture
- Aquatic Immunology
- Precision animal feeds
- Functional Feed Additives
- Fish health
- Fish physiology
- Fish welfare
- Fish nutrition
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
-
SDG 2 Zero Hunger -
SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production -
SDG 13 Climate Action -
SDG 14 Life Below Water
Fingerprint
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
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Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, larvae meal improves intestinal health and growth performance of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, juveniles
Maulu, S., Eynon, B., Abarra, S., Rawling, M. & Merrifield, D., 9 Jun 2025, In: Journal of the World Aquaculture Society. 56, 3, e70035.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile11 Downloads (Pure) -
Dose-dependent benefits of dietary yeast cell wall supplementation on the growth performance and stress resilience of the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)
Houdelet, C., Goncalves, A. T., Dias, J., Rawling, M. & Leclercq, E., 28 Nov 2025, In: Fish Physiology and Biochemistry. 51, 6, 199.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Downloads (Pure) -
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation of Autochthonous Probiotics and Their Effects on the Mucosal Health of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Abarra, S. T., Maulu, S., Odu-Onikosi, S. G., Momoh, T. A., Eynon, B., Emery, M., Rawling, M. & Merrifield, D. L., 15 Nov 2025, In: Animals. 15, 22, 3296.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile2 Downloads (Pure) -
Prebiotic and probiotic applications in fish and crustaceans
Pontefract, N., Sykes, L., Rawling, M. & Merrifield, D., 17 Jan 2025, Feed and Feeding for Fish and Shellfish: Nutritional Management . Kumar, V. (ed.). 2 ed. America : Academic Press, Vol. 2. p. 213-247 35 p. 10.1016/B978-0-443-21556-8.00015-6Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review
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Alternative Protein Sources in Tilapia Feeds: Perspectives from Africa
Maulu, S., Odu-Onikosi, S., Abarra, S., Momoh, T., Joshua, F. & Rawling, M., 19 Sept 2024, Sustainable Feed Ingredients and Additives for Aquaculture Farming: Perspectives from Africa and Asia. Springer Nature, p. 43-80 (Sustainability Sciences in Asia and Africa).Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter › peer-review