The BiG team

Dr. Huang is the principal investigator directing the BiG project. He also leads the research on algal biomass valorization, nutrient and energy balance modeling, and life cycle assessment of the integrated aquaponics system.

Dr. Paul Brown, from the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, will lead the efforts in system development and participate in stakeholder engagement, extension, and education. He and his team will evaluate the incorporation of algal and anaerobic subsystems into tilapia/lettuce aquaponic systems.

Dr. Carroll has two main roles as part of the Extension team on this project: 1) to assist in building a working group across the Midwest to engage with stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing needs and opportunities in the aquaponics industry, and 2) to translate research findings into training, programming, and outreach materials addressing aquaponics management, financial planning, marketing strategies, and sustainability.

Dr. Betty Feng's work will focus on the human factors aspect of the BiG project. She will partner with our multidisciplinary team to assess the extension and research needs of our stakeholders.

Dr. Kwamena Quagrainie’s role will involve assisting in conducting needs assessments and identifying barriers and opportunities to grow the aquaponics industry in the Midwest; building enterprise and whole-farm budgets on the financial feasibility of various technologies; and conducting a consumer preference and willingness-to-pay study for blue foods.

Dr. Ni will be responsible for research on anaerobic digestion as an integrated part of sustainable blue food systems in aquaponics.

In the BiG project, Dr. George Zhou will monitor water quality and develop integrated systems to remove contaminants, recover nutrients, and produce value-added products to enhance the sustainability of the integrated aquaponics system.

Dr. Simsek will grow six different algal strains to test the best-performing algal species that utilize foods derived from aquaponic systems. Nutrient removal from aquaponic wastewater effluent using continuous and batch algal bioreactors will be tested, and the treatment conditions will be optimized.

Nicole has two main roles as part of the Extension team on this project: 1) to assist in building a working group across the Midwest to engage with stakeholders in identifying and prioritizing needs and opportunities in the aquaponics industry, and 2) to translate research findings into training, programming, and outreach materials addressing aquaponics management, financial planning, marketing strategies, and sustainability.

Dr. Engelberth will work closely with Dr. Huang to model the process and determine economic viability. Her efforts will help demonstrate profitability or highlight changes to the process that facilitate financial stability.

Dr. Lindsey Payne will create experimental aquaponics learning labs and accompanying resources for campus outreach, as well as for secondary educators and students. She will develop learning outcomes along with appropriate methods for assessing student achievement of those outcomes.