Isabella Medina Silva
Starkville,MS
Summary
Aquatic animal health researcher with experience in fish disease diagnostics, fish health management, microbiology, virology, molecular biology, and aquaculture production systems. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences at Mississippi State University with research focused on Channel Catfish Virus (CCV), fish vaccine development, pathogen diagnostics, and aquatic animal disease management. Experienced in laboratory pathogen identification, fish challenge studies, microbiological techniques, data analysis, and scientific communication. Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and quickly learn and apply new laboratory and fish health technologies.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Graduate Research Assistant
Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
07.2024 - Current
- Conduct research on viral diseases affecting commercially important catfish species.
- Evaluate oral vaccination strategies against Channel Catfish Virus Disease (CCVD).
- Perform fish challenge trials, vaccine efficacy studies, and safety assessments.
- Develop and validate molecular diagnostic assays for differentiation of aquatic viral pathogens.
- Perform laboratory diagnostics and pathogen detection using molecular and microbiological techniques to support fish health investigations.
- Investigate environmental persistence and desiccation sensitivity of viral pathogens.
- Analyze disease outcomes and production performance following vaccination and pathogen exposure.
- Collaborate with faculty, researchers, and industry partners to improve fish health management strategies.
Undergraduate Researcher
Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, University of California, Davis
09.2021 - 06.2024
- Investigated biofilm formation and environmental persistence of pathogenic Lactococcus species affecting aquaculture.
- Conducted biochemical characterization of bacterial isolates for diagnostic applications.
- Assisted in development and evaluation of mucosal vaccines targeting columnaris disease pathogens.
- Contributed to pharmacokinetic studies of ceftazidime in signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus).
- Performed microbiological culturing, molecular laboratory procedures, pathogen characterization, and data collection for aquatic animal health research.
Education
Master of Science - Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences (Infectious Disease)
Mississippi State University
Starkville, MS06-2027
Bachelor of Science - Molecular and Medical Microbiology
University of California, Davis
Davis, CA06-2024
Skills
- Fish Health & Aquaculture
- Fish health management
- Fish disease investigation and monitoring
- Fish husbandry and culture
- Fish challenge studies
- Fish necropsy and sample collection
- Aquatic animal disease surveillance
- Vaccine efficacy and safety evaluation
- Diagnostic & Laboratory Skills
- Fish pathogen identification
- PCR and qPCR diagnostics
- Nucleic acid extraction
- Cell culture techniques
- Viral titration (TCID50)
- Bacterial isolation and characterization
- Biofilm assays
- Laboratory result interpretation
- Compound and dissecting microscopy
- BSL-2 laboratory procedures
- Data Analysis & Communication
- Statistical analysis
- Microsoft Excel
- GraphPad Prism
- Scientific writing
- Scientific presentations
- Technical reporting
Affiliations
- Vice President
- United States Aquaculture Society (USAS) Student Subunit
- Mississippi State University | 2025 – Present
- Assist in organizing professional development events, industry networking opportunities, and educational activities.
- Promote student engagement in aquaculture and aquatic animal health.
- Collaborate with faculty advisors and executive board members to support chapter initiatives and outreach.
- Global Ambassadors Program Mentor
- University of California, Davis
- 2021 – 2022
- Assisted international students with academic and social transition to university life in the United States.
- Connected students with campus resources and academic support services.
Certification
- BSL-2 Laboratory Safety Training
- Animal Handling and Research Safety Certifications
- Cambridge English Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Pass with Distinction)
- Valid Driver's License
Languages
English (Native/Bilingual Proficiency)
Spanish (Native/Bilingual Proficiency)
Publications
- Jungers HT, Knych HK, Henderson EE, Abraham TN, Heckman TI, Quijano Cardé EM, Yazdi Z, Nguyen DT, Medina Silva I, Krol K, Dunker FH, Soto E. 2024. Pharmacokinetics of Ceftazidime in Signal Crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) Following a Single Dose. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
- LaFrentz BR, Slavic D, Toohey-Kurth KL, Yant P, Fritz HM, Henderson EE, McDowall R, Cai H, Adkison M, Soto E. 2024. Redefining Piscine Lactococcosis. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 90:e02349-23.
Presentations
- Effect of Desiccation on Viability of Channel Catfish Virus (CCV) and Recombinant Attenuated Mutant (CCVdI50). South Central Branch American Society for Microbiology Meeting, 2025.
- Biofilm Formation by Piscine Pathogenic Lactococcus spp. Impacts Environmental Persistence and Resistance to Hydrogen Peroxide. Mississippi State University Aquatic Antimicrobial Resistance Workshop, 2025.
- Biofilm Formation by Piscine Pathogenic Lactococcus spp. Impacts Resistance to Common Antimicrobials and Disinfectants in Aquaculture. Northern California American Society for Microbiology Spring Meeting, 2023.
Honors & Awards
- Top Student Poster Award, Northern California American Society for Microbiology (2023)
- Fund Your Future Scholarship (2021)
- Golden State Seal Merit Diploma (2020)
- Denise VoDang Memorial Scholarship (2020)
Timeline
Graduate Research Assistant
Mississippi State University, College of Veterinary Medicine
07.2024 - Current
Undergraduate Researcher
Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, University of California, Davis
09.2021 - 06.2024
Bachelor of Science - Molecular and Medical Microbiology
University of California, Davis
Master of Science - Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences (Infectious Disease)
Mississippi State University