Kat O'Brien

Fish Technician 2017-2018

Kat O’Brien previously worked at Northeastern University modeling Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) in the Gulf of Maine. With the rising ocean temperature and cod stocks declining, EFH is a good indicator where the few remaining cod could be. This information enables researchers and managers to make cogent decisions on fishing area designations. Since coming to Alaska, O’Brien worked as a husbandry technician at UAA, working in both the vivarium and in the Milligan-Myhre lab. She was often found building the new fishility, in a basement plumbing tanks, or changing mouse cages. She is now the manager of the vivarium at UAA and pursuing her Master’s Degree at Alaska Pacific University