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News & Events

Memorable Lab BBQ Night

August 16, 2023

Despite the rain trying to dampen our spirits, the Huyben Lab team managed to pull off a memorable BBQ night that showcased our aquaculture adaptability – even the weather couldn’t extinguish our enthusiasm for good food and great company!

Microbiome Expedition: AquaCage Insights

June 13, 2023

The Huyben Lab and Miranda from the OARC (Alma) visited AquaCage Fisheries in Parry Sound, Ontario. We sampled rainbow trout and sediment for microbiome composition and antimicrobial resistance, which included a beautiful boat ride on a sunny day. Thanks to Kana who is the manager and UoG alumni for the great visit.

Ontario Aquaculture Associate Conference

March 23, 2023

The Huyben Lab team had a splash-tastic time attending the Ontario Aquaculture Associate (OAA) conference in Orillia, ON!

We extend our sincere gratitude to RJ and the OAA for extending the invitation to us and for the warm reception we received.

Festive Lab Celebration

December 16, 2020

The Huyben Lab team reeled in some serious holiday cheer during their festive luncheon!

As we bid farewell to 2022, we wish everyone a joyous holiday season and a prosperous New Year.

Aquaculture Conference Success

August 17, 2022

We are thrilled to announce that Yubing and Dr. Huyben had the opportunity to participate in the prestigious Aquaculture Canada and World Aquaculture conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Yubing and Dr. Huyben presented at Aquaculture Canada, discussing fish immunity and microbiome diets. Their talks were well-received and highlighted their critical research in the field of aquaculture.

Aquaculture Tour Experience

June 22, 2022

We are excited to share that Carmi and Dr. Huyben had the opportunity to attend the Ontario Aquaculture Tour organized by the OAA, DFO, and Cole-Munro.

During the tour, Carmi and Dr. Huyben had the privilege of visiting several rainbow trout net pen farms on Manitoulin Island, as well as the renowned Ontario Aquaculture Research Centre (OARC) and several hatcheries.

Sustainable Fish Feed

June 16, 2022

We’re thrilled to let you know that Carmi and Gita have been hard at work creating an exciting new fish feed project at the Animal Biosciences Department of the University of Guelph. Their project aims to improve the sustainability and efficiency of fish farming by producing high-quality, nutritious fish feed.

Insect-Based Aquafeed

June 15, 2022

We are excited to share that Carmi has begun conducting a new trial focused on feeding insects and insect components to rainbow trout. This cutting-edge research has the potential to revolutionize the way we approach aquaculture, as insects represent a promising new source of sustainable and nutrient-rich feed for fish.

Welcome Gita: URA & Researcher

May 5, 2022

We are delighted to announce that Gita Tsomik, a talented undergraduate researcher, has joined the Huyben Lab as a URA. Her primary role is to assist Carmi with his trial on feeding insects to rainbow trout, a critical research project that aims to enhance the sustainability and efficiency of aquaculture practices.

Junyu’s MSc Research

May 1, 2022

Junyu, a former volunteer and current Research Assistant with the Huyben Lab, has been accepted into an MSc thesis program in the Fall. His research will investigate the effects of functional feeds on the immune and microbiome responses of zebrafish, a critical area of study that could yield important insights into the role of nutrition in aquaculture.

Lab Lunch Celebration

April 18, 2022

The Huyben Lab team recently reeled in a fantastic “fish-themed” lunch at the Lookout Grad Lounge to wrap up the Winter semester and say “sea you later” (for now) to Liz Gillians, who works full-time at Planet Shrimp in Alymer.

Festive Semester Wrap-Up

December 9, 2021

The Huyben Lab team recently decked the halls at the Lookout Grad Lounge with their “ugly holiday sweater-themed” lunch to wrap up the Fall semester in festive style.

Happy holidays to all, and to all a good bite!

New Lab Members: Research Focus

September 1, 2021

The Huyben Lab has welcomed three new members to its team. Carmi Riesenbach will begin his MSc thesis to investigate insect-based feeds on the growth and gut microbiome of rainbow trout, while Yubing Chen will focus on dietary effects on the immune response of lake whitefish for her MSc coursework. Cody Anderson has started an undergraduate project looking at the chemostat to simulate the gut microbiome in freshwater fish. Their research is expected to bring valuable contributions to the field of aquaculture, and the team looks forward to their work.

Aquaculture Tour Insights

August 26, 2021

The Huyben Lab had the pleasure of attending the Ontario Aquaculture Tour, organized by the Ontario Aquaculture Associate (OAA).

During the tour, we visited several sites, including Cedar Crest hatchery, OARC, Cole-Munro processing plant, and various rainbow trout farms around Manitoulin Island. This experience provided us with valuable insights into the latest developments and innovations in the aquaculture industry.

New Lab Member: Liz

May 1, 2021

We are pleased to welcome Liz Gillians to the Huyben Lab team. Liz began her time with us as a URA and has since embarked on an undergraduate project focused on feeds for lake whitefish, microbiome sequencing technologies, and chitin extraction from insects. Her research aims to identify innovative ways to improve the nutritional value of feeds for lake whitefish and enhance their gut microbiome for optimal growth and health.

Whitefish Diet Optimization

January 1, 2021

We are thrilled to have Rebecca Lawson join the Huyben Lab team. Her research aims to identify the optimal diet for lake whitefish to maximize their growth and enhance their gut microbiome for improved health. Rebecca’s work has the potential to inform the development of sustainable and effective feeding strategies for the aquaculture industry.

Jefo Nutrition Collaboration: Microbiome Study

November 12, 2020

The Huyben Lab recently collaborated with Jefo Nutrition on an exciting project investigating the effects of essential oils and organic acids on the growth and gut microbiome of rainbow trout.

This collaborative work resulted in the publication of a groundbreaking paper authored by Dr. Huyben, entitled “Dietary Microencapsulated Blend of Organic Acids and Plant Essential Oils Affects Intestinal Morphology and Microbiome of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)”. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9102063

Dr. Huyben: Aquaculture Educator

September 13, 2020

The University of Guelph has been privileged to welcome Dr. Huyben to the esteemed ranks of its faculty, where he has assumed the mantle of co-teaching the ANSC*3050 Aquaculture: Advanced Issues course with the renowned Prof. Rich Moccia. With his impressive credentials and deep knowledge of aquaculture, Dr. Huyben has proven to be an indispensable asset to the course, ensuring the highest quality of instruction for the next generation of aquaculture professionals.

Aquaculture Tour Participants

July 22, 2020

Dr. Huyben and Prof. Rich Moccia were invited to attend the Ontario Indigenous Aquaculture Tour, organized by the Ontario Aquaculture Association. The tour was aimed at showcasing the sustainable aquaculture practices of indigenous communities in Ontario. The tour offered a unique opportunity for them to learn about the traditional and innovative techniques used by indigenous communities in their aquaculture operations.

Office Return Success

July 16, 2020

Dr. Huyben recently traveled with his family to Guelph and after completing a mandatory 2-week quarantine, he finally got to go to his office. This marked his first physical return to work in quite some time, given the travel restrictions and pandemic-related protocols. Nonetheless, he was pleased to be back in the office and to reconnect with colleagues and students in person.

Dr. Huyben Begins Faculty Position

June 15, 2020

Dr. Huyben began his faculty position in Scotland remotely, as he has not yet been able to physically travel to Canada with his family due to travel restrictions. Despite this, he has been actively engaged in his work and has been able to connect with his colleagues and students online.