Education
Ph.D. Wildlife and Fisheries Science, Louisiana State University

M.S. Aquaculture/Aquatic Sciences, Kentucky State University

M.P.A., Kentucky State University

B.A. English Literature, University of Belize

Research Focus/Interests
My research focus is on improvement and effective use of genetic and reproduction resources in aquaculture. Research includes studies on DNA marker and color inheritance in ornamental (koi) carp Cyprinus carpio, and Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus; crossbreeding and genetic sex regulation (YY male technology) in Nile Tilapia for improvement of commercially important traits such as growth; and, the development and use ultrasound imaging procedures for sex identification and ovarian reproductive assessment in Nile Tilapia, Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus, American Paddlefish Polyodon spathula, and other fish species.

Extension
As an extension agent, I am interested in (1) collaborating with other researchers and Extension personnel, businesses, and government and non-governmental organizations, to improve production of established (for example, Channel Catfish x Blue Catfish hybrid) and alternative aquaculture species (for example, Nile Tilapia); (2) collecting and analyzing sales and marketing data of established and emerging aquaculture products; (3) enabling informed decision-making for farmers, consumers, and other aquaculture stakeholders; and, (4) increasing participation and training of minorities and women, and underrepresented and underserved communities in local aquaculture. 

Publications
Peer Reviewed:
Delomas, T. A., Gomelsky, B., Vu, N., Campbell, M. R. & Novelo, N. D. 2019. Single-nucleotide polymorphism discovery and genetic variation in YY-male and mixed-sex strains of Nile Tilapia available in the United States. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 81:183-188. doi:10.1002/naaq.10085

Novelo, N.D. and T.R. Tiersch. 2016. Development and evaluation of an ultrasound imaging reproductive index based on the ovarian cycle of Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus.  Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 47: 526-537. doi:10.1111/jwas.12291

Novelo, N.D. and T.R. Tiersch. 2012. A review of the use of ultrasonography in fish reproduction. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 74: 169-181. doi:10.1080/15222055.2012.672370

Guitreau, A.M., Eilts, B.E., Novelo, N.D. and T.R. Tiersch. 2012. Fish handling and ultrasound procedures for viewing the ovary of submersed, non-anesthetized, unrestrained channel catfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 74: 182-187. doi:10.1080/15222055.2012.655852

Novelo, N.D., Gomelsky, B. and  K.W. Pomper. 2010. Inheritance and reliability of random amplified polymorphic DNA-markers in two consecutive generations of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Aquaculture Research, 41: 220-226. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2109.2009.02320.x

Novelo, N.D. and B.Gomelsky. 2009. Comparison of two methods for measurement of red-area coverage in white-red fish for analysis of color variability and inheritance in ornamental (koi) carp Cyprinus carpio. Aquatic Living Resources, 22:113-116. doi:10.1051/alr/2009011

Gomelsky, B., Mims, S.D., Onders, R.J. and N.D. Novelo. 2005. Inheritance of predorsal black stripe in crappie. North American Journal of Aquaculture, 67:167-170. doi:10.1577/A04-32.1

Magazine Articles:
Novelo, N.D. 2020. Ultrasound imaging in fish reproduction. AgKnowledge Magazine (Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Program), 6:36   

Novelo, N. D.  and T. R. Tiersch. 2013.  Ultrasound imaging for use in commercial production of channel catfish.  Louisiana Agriculture Magazine (Louisiana State University Agricultural Center) 56:14-16

Novelo, N. D. and T. R. Tiersch.  2012.  Ultrasound imaging of channel catfish reproduction. World Aquaculture Magazine (World Aquaculture Society) 43:52-58

Book Chapters:
Novelo, N.D., Kuenz, D., Green, C.C. and T.R. Tiersch. 2011. Ultrasonographic monitoring of channel catfish ovarian development.  In: Cryopreservation in Aquatic Species, 2nd  Edition.  T.R. Tiersch and C. C. Green, editors. World Aquaculture Society, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Pp. 134-144

Abstracts
25 published abstracts on oral presentations at regional, national and international conference proceedings of the World Aquaculture Society, the Louisiana Chapter of the American Fisheries Society, and the Gulf Coast Conservation Biology Symposium.

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