The Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management (DFWM) at KNUST has welcomed Dr. Rebecca Lochmann, a professor in the Department of Aquaculture and Fisheries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB), USA.
Dr. Lochmann’s first visit to Ghana was in 2023 as part of a study abroad programme, where she engaged with department heads at KNUST to explore research collaborations, educational objectives, and industry outreach.
“So, at that time, we also discussed the need for funding to support collaborative research and other activities, then I kind of ran across this Fulbright opportunity, and I thought, this might be the perfect vehicle,” she explained.
After receiving a Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award in aquatic animal nutrition to Ghana, she noted that the programme provided the perfect avenue to further strengthen these partnerships.
“I do feel like this Fulbright is kind of like a culminating experience for my career. And I think all the things I've done collectively up to this point have enabled me to get something like Fulbright and be able to make an impact at a higher level somewhere else,” she said.
While in Ghana, Dr. Lochmann will apply her expertise in aquaculture nutrition and feed development at KNUST by supporting catfish broodstock nutrition research and potentially contributing to the university’s accreditation process.
Prof. Regina Esi Edziyie, Head of the Department of Fisheries and Watershed Management, highlighted Dr. Lochmann’s remarkable contributions to the field.
“Dr. Rebecca Lochmann has made significant contributions to aquaculture through her work with the Catfish Farmers Association, where she was recognized for improving feed conversion ratios (FCR).
Having previously visited briefly in 2003, this longer engagement is expected to strengthen research on catfish broodstock nutrition and deepen collaboration with the department,” she noted.
Dr. Lochmann will be working closely with Prof. Edziyie, who is also a Fulbright alum.
Welcoming her, the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Resources, Prof. Emmanuel Acheampong, expressed optimism about the collaboration.
“We need to strengthen our capacity, and we are working on that. We hope that, before you leave, we can organize a seminar for you to interact with us, share what you have learned so far, and provide recommendations we can build on moving forward,” he stressed.
Dr. Lochmann was received by faculty members and teaching assistants.
Comments