OPENING CEREMONY KEYNOTE

Megan Sorby, CEO of Pine Island Redfish, will conduct the opening ceremony keynote presentation. Her presentation will provide an in-depth perspective on Pine Island’s unique approach to Aquaponics, which will leave attendees feeling inspired and set the tone of the conference.

BANQUET DINNER KEYNOTE

Jack Cover, General Curator at The National Aquarium will be giving our Banquet Keynote titled, “Harbor Wetland: restoring wetland habitat to a waterfront city”! He will enlighten the evening with an experiential tour and overview of the Floating Wetland Exhibit, which opened in 2024 at The National Aquarium. To learn more about this project you can visit the link: https://aqua.org/explore/exhibits/harbor-wetland

Jack also extended the invite for anyone to visit the harbor wetland in person, free of charge, throughout the conference!

Research Projects

Josh Dusci, Indoor Agriculture Associate from Virginia State University will be conducting a presentation titled, “Aquaponic Research and Extension Programming at Virginia State University”. This presentation will cover ongoing research and extension, the impacts of the efforts, as well as future projects and trends.

Community/Educational Experiences

Tammy Cole, Director of Operations at Healthy Harvest Fresh, will conduct a presentation titled, “Growing the Future, the Journey of Healthy Harvest Fresh”. In her presentation she will cover the various educational experiences/programming, thriving community partnerships, applied research opportunities for students, and the abundant supply of fresh healthy produce and protein Healthy Harvest Fresh has been able to provide to the surrounding VA community.

Basics of Aquaponics

Justin Leavitt, Business Development for Moleaer, will conduct a presentation titled, “Oxygenation! Basic principals, Best Practices and Why it Matters”. This presentation will cover basic principles of oxygenation, best practices, and what role oxygen provides from a plant production and pathogen standpoint. Key takeaways will be reviewing what is too much and not enough oxygen, how to increase oxygen transfer through equipment and other means everyday growers can implement, and what you can expect when dialing in dissolved oxygen levels.

Basics of Aquaponics

Dr. Michael Timmons, Graduate Professor at Cornell University and Executive Director at The Aquaculture Engineering Society, will conduct a presentation titled, “Mass Balances, Loading Rates with Applications to Aquaponics”. This presentation will cover basic principles of mass balances for aquaponics systems and will provide with application to aquaponics and design examples.

Commercial/General Growing

Adam Cohen, Director of Growing Operations at Timberview Farmstead, will conduct a presentation titled, “Timberview Farmstead: Lessons Learned in Our First Year of Operation”. This presentation will cover the journey Timberview Farmstead has come since the Association toured our site during. the 2024 Conference. Learn about the various plants and fish grown since then, and learned a number of lessons along the way. Learn about the struggles Timberview has faced, how they have overcome them, and where they are headed!

Commercial/General Growing

Elshan Bal, Partner at Greenway Farms, will conduct a presentation titled, “Beyond the Harvest: Creating Value-Added Products with Aquaponic Fish and Crops”. In this session, Elshan will explore how to turn your aquaponic harvest into seasoned fish fillets, herb-infused teas and lemonades (Purple Basil & Thyme), pesto, and hummus using herbs like fresh basil. Additionally, this presentation will cover key considerations like food safety, processing setup, product development, and small-scale marketing.

Commercial/General Growing

Carlos Leon, CIO at BoFish, will conduct presentations titled, “Integrated Multi-trophic Aquaponics with Brackish water for Fish and Shrimp” and “The Aquaponics Lifestyle Model”. In these presentations, Carlos will explore several projects that BoFish is involved in from systems that integrate agritourism to more in-depth technical systems that co-produce fish and shrimp within a brackish water aquaponic system.

Commercial/General Growing

Amber Vallotton, Food Safety Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech, will conduct a presentation titled, “Mentoring Aquaponic Growers in GAP Certification Preparation”. In her presentation, Amber will highlight the primary food safety hazards in aquaponic systems, describe the basic steps of assisting growers in the audit process, and will share a case study video about her work with the first aquaponics farm to be GAP-certified within Virginia.

Research Projects

Curtis Childress, Agricultural Research Assistant at Virginia State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Impact of Saline Water on Aquaponic System Performance: A Comparative Study of Freshwater and Saline Conditions for Fish and Plant Growth”. His presentation will cover a recently completed research project that investigated the effects of saline water (5 ppt) on aquaponic system performance and plant growth and quality of three different species (Kale, Swiss Chard, and Watercress).

Commercial/General Growing

Jen Wells, CEO of Lateral.Systems, will be conducting a presentation titled, “How to recognize imbalances before visible physical damage occurs”. This presentation is geared towards helping growers to recognize impending or actual imbalances in time to make correction before the value of crops or the health of fish is compromised. The presentation will discuss plant and fish tolerance levels, physiological responses that occur when one or more parameter is out of tolerance range, and demonstrate how the LATERAL Edge Platform data insights help farmers to recognize imbalances and make gradual corrections that avoid further stressing plants, fish, and the microbial community within the grow system.

Commercial/General Growing

Kelly Ochuko Egode, Founder and CTO of Omfeonix Agritech Ltd, will be conducting a presentation titled, “AquaECO AI: Bridging Energy Efficiency and Water Quality in Aquaponics”. The presentation will discuss an AI copilot for your aquaponics system—alerting you to energy waste, water imbalances, and even suggesting fixes. This copilot is AquaECO AI, which was built during AI for Energy Solution MIT 2025. Demonstration will be provided of how the tool’s dashboard and chatbot interface empower growers to cut costs and prevent losses, with examples from pilot deployments. Attendees will leave with a roadmap to implement AI-driven insights in any growing situation!

Research Projects

German Merino, Associate Professor at Universidad Catolica del Norte, will be conducting a presentation titled, “Bio-Integrated Production System Technology and an International Network”. In his presentation German will emphasize R&D between two Chilean institutions, one from the agriculture side and the other from aquaculture. Then we will provide an overview regarding the joint R&D and the deployment of pilot-scale aquaponic systems in several institutions to strengthen the technology transfer. And finally will describe international networking on bio-integrated systems.

Commercial/General Growing

Joe Pate, Founder and CEO of Regen Aquaculture will conduct presentations titled, “Aquaponics That Pays: Low-Cost Models for High-Return Investments” and “Brutal Economics, Smart Investments: Modeling the Real Risk, Return, and Reality of Aquaponics”. These presentations will cover new economic models created at Regen Aquaculture through a partnership with University of Gothenburg as well as showcasing aquaponic systems and models that are worth investing in.

Research Projects

Emma Louise Smith, Graduate Student at Tarleton State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Evaluating Black Solider Fly Larvae and Spirulina Algae as a Feed Alternative for Tilapia in Aquaponics”. Her presentation will cover her masters thesis project that produced data for developing more sustainable and efficient aquaponic feeding practices using BSFL and Algae based feeds.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Michael Adrain Barnes, Owner of Island Aquaponics and Tilapia Hatchery, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponics - A Model of a Truly Sustainable Future”. His presentation will explore how teaching aquaponics from primary school to graduation is our best chance of a sustainable future for food production in developed countries and food equity in developing economies. He will document the journey by Island Aquaponics to achieving this practical realization of this goal and while highlighting the areas of basic research required.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Kenneth Rust, CEO of Enterprise Aquatics, will conduct a presentation titled, “STEM Vs Agriscience: Barriers & Perceptions”. His presentation will cover how aquaponics provides an avenue to interact with several different facets of science and related learning and is attracting attention and engagement from STEM programs. Touching on the history of agriscience programs and answering the question of how can we learn from the success of the agriscience programs and integrate success for aquaponics?

STEM/Educational Experiences

Jenna Glazier, Student Greenhouse Assistant at Saginaw Valley State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Comparative Analysis of Aquaponic Cultivation of Cucumis sativus”. Her presentation will cover recent trials at SVSU that evaluated commercially available gynoecious parthenocarpic varieties of Cucumis sativus (cucumber), including Excelsior, Katrina, and Picolino by recording yield data and growth parameters during 6-week trial periods, one during Autumn and the other during Winter. Jenna will present and elaborate on the results of these trials.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Amy Lang, 4-H Youth Development Educator at The University of Maryland, will conduct a presentation titled, “4-H Amazing Aquaponics Club!" During her presentation Amy will will provide an overview of the 4-H Amazing Aquaponics program and share resources and tips for replication. Session participants will get to take part in several of the activities we use with students to inspire increased interest and opportunity in innovative environmental science fields.

Research Projects

Jelili Adebiyi, Professor at Northern Michigan University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponics in Northern Michigan: Opportunities and Challenges for Economic Growth and Food and Nutrition Security”. Jelili’s presentation will cover a study conducted by NMU on how aquaponics could contribute to addressing livelihood needs in the Northern Michigan Peninsula area. The presentation will focus on the findings from the study and how the results will be applied to drive aquaponics-inspired economic growth and food security in the Upper Peninsula.

Commercial/General Growing

Johnny Moretto (and Andrea Zorzi) of Atea Group S.r.l S.b (Italy) will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponics in Northeastern Italy: From Innovation Projects to a Aquaponic Farmers Network”. This presentation will showcase their Italian experience in aquaponics, based on three innovation projects: 1) SmartAP (completed); 2) OASI (ongoing), and 3) IA Aquaponic (ongoing). The presentation will highlight how these three projects have enabled the creation of a network of aquaponic producers supplying large-scale retail, ensuring excellent profits for farmers in Italy.

Basics of Aquaponics

Brian Zlotkin of Bergen Aquaponics will conduct a presentation titled, “Additive-Free "Slow" Cycle Microbiome Establishment in Aquaponics”. This presentation will cover the "Slow" Cycling method utilized by Bergen Aquaponics which allows the microbiome to become established naturally using small live fish and more fish are added gradually to the system until the microbiome is mature enough to support plants. The presentation will touch on the ratios of fish mass, water volume, and substrate volume that allow the system to naturally balance itself.

Research Projects

Dr. Paul Brown, Professor at Purdue University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Sustainability in the 21st century and the role of aquaponics”. In his presentation, Dr. Brown will discuss the work being done at Purdue assessing the environmental impacts of aquaponics using quantitative metrics. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluations of several aquaponics scenarios will be presented and discussed.

Research Projects

Ze Zhu, Postdoctorial Student at Purdue University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Microbial dynamics in novel decoupled aquaponics with different cultivation substrates”. This presentation will cover a study conducted at Purdue, which evaluated multiple plant substrates and quantified the microbial communities using crucian carp and cherry tomatoes. Results will be presented showcasing how the substrates exerted a significant impact on microbial communities, with substrate type and particle size impacting microbial communities at the phylum and genus level, respectively.

Research Projects

Timothy Rice, Senior Aquaponics Technician at Purdue University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Evaluation of three commercial aquaculture feeds for use in aquaponic production of tilapia and lettuce”. This presentation will cover the ten-week study that evaluated three commercial aquaculture feeds in the production of tilapia and lettuce. The lettuces compared are heat tolerant varieties: Muir, Crispino, and Salvius. Study duration will be two harvests of lettuce from a deep-water culture system.

Commercial/General Growing

Brian Lio, CEO of Grand Frontier Farms, will conduct a presentation titled, “Developing Highly Productive, Low-cost, Aquaponic Vertical Farming Systems”. Brians presentation will provide an overview on Grand Frontier Farms progress and approach in developing a low cost aquaponic farming system capable of competing with current “state of the art” vertical farms. A look into the system’s design as well as results from our prototype farm will be provided throughout his presentation.

Commercial/General Growing

Jeremy Shecter, Founder of Open Source Horticulture, will conduct a presentation titled, “What Cannabis Cultivation Can Teach Us About Scaling Aquaponics: Lessons from a Decade in CEA”. In this 20-minute session, Jeremy draws on over a decade of experience in both aquaponics and cannabis to share practical systems integration strategies that aquaponics operators can use to streamline operations, reduce friction, and build for long-term performance. Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading your setup, this session will help you think holistically and operate more smoothly using lessons hard-earned in the cannabis space.

Commercial/General Growing

Tawnya Sawyer, Co-Owner of The Aquaponic Source, will conduct a presentation titled, “Lessons Learned from Success and Failure”. In this presentation, Tawnya will review 15 years of The Aquaponic Sources’ successes and failures. Offering a variety of tips and tricks to avoiding mistakes and improving outcomes. The more you know the more you grow!

Community Efforts (VIRTUAL)

Gugulethu Mahlangu, CEO of House Harvest, will conduct her presentation titled, “Rice paddy in aquaponics for circular transition solutions in mining areas”. Her presentation will cover the integration of rice paddies into aquaponics systems as an innovative solution for sustainable agriculture in mining and water scarce regions. The session will highlight pilot trials, environmental benefits such as methane reduction and circular resource usage, as well as opportunities for youth employment and community food systems.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Brandon Ellis, Cofounder & Lead Engineer at SpatialGrow, will conduct a presentation titled, “Lessons from Reinforcement Learning: What AI Taught Me About Growing and Teaching”. This session explores how reinforcement learning, an AI technique based on trial and error, can reveal insights into complex systems like agriculture that traditional experimentation often misses. Running thousands of simulations surfaced patterns, failure modes, and relationships that reshaped how I think about system design, long-term planning, and the way we approach learning itself.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Dr. Davide Tocchetto, Agronomist Teacher at D. Sartor High School (Italy), will conduct a presentation titled, “Past to future in the aquaponic systems at D. Sartor High School (Italy)”. This presentation will cover the past history of utilizing aquaponics at the high school. Additionally this project will highlight their most recent development of compost tea and the promotion of food in some local restaurants obtained from our aquaponic systems.

Community Efforts

Terrance Smith, Student Worker at the College of Menominee Nation, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponics for Cultural and Nutritional Wellness on the Menominee Reservation”. This presentation will cover The College of Menominee Nation’s (Department of Continuing Education) novel Aquaponics initiative aimed at enhancing access to affordable, cultural relevant food for Menominee tribal members in Northeast Wisconsin, a region where with limited year round agricultural capacity. The Aquaponics facility consists of a 24’x60’ high tunnel that engages youth and community members in Aquaponics trainings, tours, and culturally relevant vegetables and fish despite local climate limitations. Join the session to learn more!

STEM/Educational Experiences

Kelli Howe, Education Director at 100Gardens, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaneers-A New Way of Thinking”. Her presentation will cover Aquaneers, which is a k-5 instructional lesson plan unit that addresses the basics of aquaponics along with SEL (social emotional learning) standards. This unit focuses on the concepts of 100 Gardens, key pillars: Community, Aquaponics, Build,Conservation, Personal Food Cycle, and Economy.

Community Efforts

Phil Reason, President of Aquasol International, will conduct a presentation titled, “Why Your Design Matters / Designing and Building for Successful Aquaponic Production”. In this presentation, Phil will discuss how successful aquaponic production hinges not only on nutrient cycles and system balance but on foundational design choices that anticipate and harmonize the needs of both fish and plants.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Karen Barry, Director of External Affairs at Plymouth County Sheriff's Office - Massachusetts, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponics, Community, and Education”. Those attending will learn about a community demonstration garden established at the Plymouth County Sheriff's farm in Massachusetts that feeds the community while educating the public on aquaponics and hydroponic growing systems. In partnership with 100 Gardens, students can earn a certification of competency from the National Aquaponics Association.

Research Projects

Dr. Kamal Gosh, Assistant Professor at Langston University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Evaluating the Impact of Fish Species on Lettuce Growth in Nutrient Film Technique-Based Aquaponics Systems”. This presentation will provide an overview of a study that investigated the effect of two different fish species—goldfish (ornamental) and channel catfish (food fish)—on the growth performance of lettuce in a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) aquaponics system. This research supports sustainable aquaponics practices and offers adopters informed choices between ornamental and food fish species based on production goals and system outcomes.

Research Projects

Dr. Yonathan Tilahun, Research Scientist and Assistant Professor at Langston University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Concentrated media inoculant for food production using metagenomics”. This presentation will provide an overview of studies that have been conducted to evaluate the food safety aspects of aquaponics produce, specifically assessing the risk of foodborne pathogens in an aquaponics system. The presentation will also overview Dr. Tilahun’s study that investigated whether transfer of microbial flora occur when microbes are or are not present in the media where Romaine lettuce is raised.

Commercial/General Growing

Jessica Nida, Farm Manager at Fat Beet Farm, will conduct a presentation titled, “Closing the Loop in Aquaponic Systems”. In her presentation, Jessica will overview her experience managing an 20,000 gal aquaponic system for the last 5 years. Additionally, the presentation would highlight some of the onsite solutions to feed, system supplementation, and pests at a community serving local farm, as well as navigating trials at the local scale to become a more resilient system.

Basics of Aquaponics

James Hill, Aquaculture Unit Coordinator at Virginia State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Basics of Fish Care”. In his presentation, James will cover the basics of taking care of fish that are being grown for food. Covering how to properly stock a system, how to feed, what water quality parameters to test for, why they need to be tested, how to keep them in a healthy range, and how to monitor for disease.

Research Projects

Victor Lobanov, Post-Doc Researcher at Gothenburg University, will conduct a presentation titled, “A decade of divergent evolution: coupled and decoupled aquaponics”. Victor will present findings and conclusions from a recently submitted review paper comparing microbial communities and yields in reported literature. Additionally, topics such as the diversity of aquaponic installation designs, how they differ in terms of productivity, and how they differentiate the microbial communities inside will be covered.

Research Projects

Shima Rezaei, Graduate Research Assistant at Auburn University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Bioprocess Design Shapes the Fate of Nitrifiers, Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria, and Plant Pathogens in Aquaponics”. This presentation highlights how biofloc aquaponic system configuration (specifically light exposure and coupling versus decoupling) influences microbial communities and tomato production. Results demonstrate how key functional microbes, including nitrifiers, PGPBs, and plant pathogens, interact with nutrient retention and ultimately impact plant health.

Research Projects

Dr. Lance Beecher, Associate Specialist at Clemson University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Bridging the Knowledge Gap in Aquaponics: Results from a Regional Hybrid Training Initiative”. His presentation will cover the hybrid training program that was developed for agricultural professionals across the Southern U.S., resulting in a significant knowledge gain. Participants reported improved confidence, especially in food safety and business strategies, and highly rated the training’s usability and content. Feedback emphasized the value of hands-on sessions and suggested more interactive elements and flexible delivery in future offerings.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Oscar Chung, Student at Crystal Springs Uplands School, will conduct a presentation titled, “Plasma Activated Water Impact on Yield and Nutritional Content For Aquaponics”. This presentation shares the results of novel research evaluating the effects of PAW on yield, germination speed, canopy height, and nutrient content using a microgreen production system as a model for microgreens, baby leaf, and full-head crops. In addition to presenting key findings, the session will translate outcomes into commercial insights and estimate potential ROI for production-scale adoption.

Commercial/General Growing

Tyler Anderson, Founder of TSA Consulting Inc., will conduct a presentation titled, “Fixing the Hidden Cost: Dissolved Oxygen as a Lever for Yield and ROI in Aquaponics”. This presentation will use a case study and analysis of common DO management practices to show how these design flaws contribute to quality losses, inconsistent yields, and reduced system reliability. It will also explore industry-standard solutions from aquaculture and hydroponics that can be retrofitted to resolve these challenges—demonstrating how targeted DO improvements can reduce losses, enhance product quality, and deliver measurable ROI to both the top and bottom line.

Commercial/General Growing

Tom Precht, Vice President of Grateful Gardeners and Floraponics, will conduct a presentation titled, “Growing Cut Flowers in Aquaponics at Large Scale Volume”. In his presentation Tom will discuss how the world of floriculture has yet to realize the advantages of aquaponics that so many leafy green growers have been capitalizing on for several years now. He will cover unique challenges that cut flower growers face that are not relevant to vegetable growers as well as provide perspective on his own operation using aquaponics to grow specific flowers.

Basics of Aquaponics

Jason Danaher of Aquatic Equipment and Design will conduct a presentation titled, “Whats All the Hot Air About”? In his presentation Jason will cover identifying proper pipe sizing for the air distribution system to reduce friction loss and prolong the equipment's life span. Jason will cover various types of aeration and also how improper sizing of the pressurized air, pipe distribution system can lead to energy inefficiencies, equipment failure, and potentially fish mortality.

Research Projects

Buddhika Abeyrathne, PhD Student at Virginia Tech, will conduct a presentation titled, “Promoting Circular Agriculture through Sustainable Nutrient Recycling in Sandponic Systems”. His presentation will cover research that investigates sandponics, a novel circular agricultural approach that utilizes sand as an alternative planting substrate within aquaponics systems to recycle fish-derived nutrients for enhanced plant growth. Data will be presented on how sand substrates can serve as a cost-effective and energy-efficient alternative to traditional biofilter systems.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Dr. Holly Little, Manager of Greenhouse Operations and Biology Professor at Saginaw Valley State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponic Studies at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI)”. This presentation highlights ongoing research conducted at Saginaw Valley State University (University Center, MI) focused on optimizing aquaponic systems for educational and experimental purposes, as well as community engagement. The research serves not only to advance scientific understanding of aquaponic systems but also to provide hands-on training for undergraduate students in sustainable agriculture, systems thinking, and data analysis. This presentation will share results, challenges, and the educational value of integrating aquaponics into a university research and teaching environment.

Basics of Aquaponics

Ron Malone, President of Aquaculture Systems Technology (AST), will conduct a presentation titled, “Solids Control in Aquaponic Systems”. This talk will overview fish tank suspended solids generation, means of removal, and digestion techniques used to enhance nutrient release from generated sludge. The benefits and disadvantages of various means of removal and digestion will also be emphasized.

Commercial/General Growing (Virtual)

Paul Begue, Program Coordinator at Agri-Aquaculture Center of Excellence, will conduct a virtual presentation titled, “Introduction to The Agri-Aquaculture Center of Excellence”. The presentation will introduce the Agri-Aquaculture Center of Excellence, Louisiana's largest closed loop aquaponic facility. The presentation will cover the work that the Agri-Aquaculture Center of Excellence is doing to advance Louisiana’s Agriculture, Aquaculture, Hydroponics and Aquaponics.

Community Efforts

Shumin Wang, Manager of Aone Aquaponics, will conduct a presentation titled, “Passive Solar Powered Aquaponic Garden”. This presentation will cover a passive solar greenhouse that has been running continuously without any other heat source located within north latitudes. The presentation will provide details on the system as well as give insights into how it has become a local tourist attraction.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Carla Scocchi, 4-H Youth Development Professional of UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H, will conduct a presentation titled, “Hands-On Aquaponics: Build, Learn, and Grow with 4-H”. Join her presentation to learn about UMaine Cooperative Extension 4-H, Maine's positive youth development program, for an immersive aquaponics learning experience! This workshop explores the nationally-recognized 4-H Aquaponics Project, an innovative program that harnesses youth interest in fish and horticulture to build real-world skills directly applicable to the aquaculture industry.

Research Projects

Uri Yogev, CEO of Aquaculturi B.V., will conduct a presentation titled, “Toward a Zero Waste Multi-loop Aquaponic System with Onsite Anaerobic Digestion in a Changing Climate". This presentation introduces a novel multi-loop aquaponics system that achieves zero waste by full recovery of nutrients and energy from fish sludge and plant residues. Through onsite anaerobic digestion, organic waste is converted into biogas and liquid fertilizer, enhancing plant growth while significantly reducing water and energy inputs.

Commercial/General Growing

Tyaga Welch, Creator of Sustainable Humane Earth, Gilded Granger, Texas Turmeric, will conduct a presentation titled, “Gilded Granger Aquaponics Grown Herbs - Support and Distribution”. This presentation will cover Gilded Granger's concept as a conscious company, and take you on the journey from upscaling a farmers market vend to an on line distribution.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Pedro Casas, Main Greenhouse Tech & Professor at Santa Fe Community College, will conduct a presentation titled, “Evolution of the Santa Fe Community College Controlled Environment Agriculture Program”. This presentation covers the evolution of our program during my time at SFCC-CEA through the development of advanced off-grid greenhouse, scalable system models, and industry-relevant curriculum. This talk will share key insights from our program—including technical innovations, student outcomes, and community partnerships—and explore how CEA, and aquaponics, can serve as a powerful model for food security, workforce development, and climate resilience.

Research Projects,

James Ward, Aquaponic Researcher at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Impact of drought periods on consumer perception of jalapeños grown in aquaponic systems”. This presentation will give details on a study which evaluated drought impact on the consumer impression of spice level from jalapeño peppers produced in media based aquaponic systems. Data/results will be presented regarding the study with fairly interesting, not so expected, conclusions.

Research Projects

Constance Finnerty, Aquaponics Research Associate at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “pH Drives Shifts in Microbial Communities in Aquaponic Systems”. Information regarding biofilm development in aquaponic systems will be presented on. Results from a study will be shown, which indicate the influence of pH on development of biofilms over time in aquaponic systems.

Research Projects

Charlie Wilbers, Undergraduate Student at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Use of Fungi to Sequester Heavy Metals in Aquaponics System”. This presentation will cover how the use of P. chrysosporium is a species of white rot fungi known for its capabilities in bioabsorption of heavy metals was implemented within an aquaponic system to remove Copper from Tilapia effluent.

Commercial/General Growing

Carol Allen, Agent Associate in Food Safety at The University of Maryland, will conduct a presentation titled, “The Produce Safety Rule Catches Up with Aquaponics”. This presentation will introduce the new aquaponic and hydroponic teaching modules that have been added to the Produce Safety Rule (PSR) training. Grower compliance will be discussed.

Research Projects

Dr. Steve Hall, Professor at NC State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Optimizing Marine Aquaponics with Kale, Salicornia, Striped Bass and Sturgeon: Salinity, Nutrients and Carbon Findings”. In his presentation, Dr. Hall will speak on a recent study that focused on the use of salt tolerant (e.g. kale) and halophytic (e.g. Salicornia) plant species with fish (e.g. striped bass; sturgeon) in intermediate salinity systems.

STEM/Educational Experiences

Felix Lopez, Owner of Mobile Hydroponic Farms, will conduct a presentation titled, “Mobile hydroponic/aquaponic farms”. This presentation will discuss a 53-foot insulated aquaponic farm that is DOT certified. A container that allows you to grow crops in almost any condition 24/7. Very easy to move, hook up a semi, and go. Grow lettuce, fish, along with beneficial bacteria. Learn more today!

Research Projects

Leo Fleckenstein, Senior Research Associate at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Microbial Communities of Low-Cost Aquaculture Effluent Mineralization Methods”. This presentation will discuss research using two types of mineralization methods (aerobic and anerobic) that were analyzed using DNA sequencing to determine the microbial communities present in each. This data can be used to further optimize conditions for specific microbes, potentially increasing nutrient recovery rates in mineralization.

Research Projects

Lucien Blakemore, Undergraduate Research Assistant at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Effects of Different Lighting Types on Growth and Phytocannibinoid Production of Hemp in Aquaponic Systems”. The presentation will cover a study that examined 4 different lights (low-cost LEDs, high-cost LED, HPS) and their effects on CBD production, growth, and operational cost of C. sativa production in aquaponic systems.

Commercial/General Growing

Sean Kwon, Growth Marketing Manager at Thrive Agritech, will conduct a presentation titled, “Illuminating Profitability: A Simulation-Based ROI Model for Supplemental LED Lighting in Commercial Aquaponic Lettuce Production”. This session will equip growers, investors, and facility designers with a data-driven framework to better understand lighting investments, ultimately helping the aquaponics sector scale sustainably and profitably.

Community Efforts

Chelsea Walling, Aquaculture Extension and Research Associate at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponics Bootcamp: Preparing Kentucky Aquafarmers for Success through Comprehensive Training”. Her presentation will discuss current efforts at Kentucky State University by aquaculture extension staff who are conducting a 12 session, year-long Aquaponics Boot Camp program that will provide immersive training that promotes beginning farmer success and confidence in underserved Appalachian regions. This presentation will detail the bootcamp program, participant feedback, and lessons learned.

Research Projects

John Osborn, CEA/Aquaponics Associate at Cornell University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Aquaponic and Related Research at Cornell University”. This presentation will cover ongoing research and extension programming at Cornell University’s Aquaponics Lab as part of Cornell’s Controlled Environment Agriculture program. Information on research in the areas of nutrients from biosolids, plant health and growth optimization and research on alternate fish feed sources will be included.

Research Projects

Margaret Otto, Graduate Research Assistant at Auburn University, will conduct a presentation titled, “Harnessing Native Bacteria to Support Resilient Aquaponic Lettuce Production”. Her presentation will cover current research that seeks to develop a plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB) inoculant suited for activity and persistence in aquaponic systems. Research update will be shared covering the project workflow, preliminary findings, and next steps towards development of microbial tools to support aquaponic system performance.

Commercial/General Growing

Cameron Heil, VP of Strategic Development and VP of Operations at Ounce of Hope, will conduct a presentation titled, “Poop, Policy, and Persistence: Staying Profitable in Hemp’s Hardest Year”. In this presentation we'll go over how Ounce of Hope is staying profitable and relevant despite new legislation aimed to restrict Hemp Cannabis access state wide. From research projects to novel events and more; we'll go over the strategies that define our success as well as the pitfalls to avoid in Hemp Cannabis.

Research Projects (VIRTUAL)

Dr. Matthew Recsetar, Assistant Professor at The University of Arizona, will conduct a presentation titled, “Hybrid Aquaponics - What it is and Why it Works”. This presentation explores how microbial communities in aquaponic effluent can enhance nutrient and water use efficiency in plant root zones. Through a series of experiments at the University of Arizona, we demonstrated that hybrid aquaponic systems using as little as 10 percent aquaculture effluent in hydroponics can replicate the water-saving benefits of full aquaponics.

Basics of Aquaponics

Janelle Hager, Aquaponic State Specialist at Kentucky State University, will conduct a presentation titled, “From Fish to Foliage: Water Quality and Nutrient Flow in Aquaponics”. Those attending Janelles presentation will learn about the basics of water quality and how different parameters impacts nutrient flow and availability in aquaponic systems.

Commercial/General Growing

Molly Stanek, Founder of EcoAgTech + Director of The Aquaponics Association, will conduct a presentation regarding how commercial producers can navigate the changing economy and sociopolitical landscape as well as what you might not consider before scaling your business!

Community Efforts

Ethan Buland, Aquaponic Farm Manager at FoodChain, will conduct a presentation titled, “FoodChain: Forging Links Between Our Community and Aquaponics”. The presentation will cover FoodChain's efforts to educate the public about aquaponics, urban agriculture and food justice, such as their classroom programs, youth internship programs and deep water culture aquaponics system in downtown Lexington, KY.

Community Efforts

Andrea Franchini, Program Management Specialist for Agriculture and Food Systems at The University of Maryland, will conduct a presentation titled, “Using small-scale aquaponic systems to engage farmers in aquaponic education”. This presentation will discuss the construction and documentation of a small-scale system made from a repurposed IBC tote and readily available parts. The purpose of the construction is to provide do-it-yourself construction instructions to save farmers money on startup costs, and to serve as a small-scale system with which they can learn and practice aquaponic methods before investing in larger or commercial-scale systems.

Research Projects

Dr. Jose-Luis Izursa, Senior Lecturer and Advisor at The University of Maryland, will conduct a presentation titled, “Advancing Financially and Environmentally Sustainable Urban Aquaponics Through Peer Learning and Research in Maryland”. This presentation will discuss a current USDA-SARE project that supports urban farmers in Maryland through peer learning and research to advance sustainable aquaponics. Farmer training and support coupled with on-campus and on-farm trials will be discussed.