Andrea Tarnecki, Ph.D.

Andrea Tarnecki, Ph.D.

  • Assistant Extension Professor
  • Director, Auburn University Shellfish Lab
  • School of Fisheries, Aquaculture & Aquatic Sciences
aml0019@auburn.edu
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Auburn Shellfish Lab
Dr. Andrea M. Tarnecki is an Assistant Extension Professor in Production Aquaculture at Auburn University, based at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory. Her work focuses on oyster aquaculture, microbial ecology, and seafood safety, with an emphasis on translating applied research into practical solutions for Gulf Coast producers. She collaborates closely with industry, agencies, and students to support sustainable shellfish production, workforce development, and coastal resilience.

Education

  • Ph.D.Auburn University2014

  • B.S.Middle Tennessee State University2007

Professional Experience

Dr. Tarnecki is an Assistant Extension Professor in Production Aquaculture at Auburn University, based at the Auburn University Shellfish Laboratory on Dauphin Island, Alabama. Her professional experience spans academic research, Extension programming, teaching, and applied industry collaboration.  
  • Assistant Extension Professor, Production Aquaculture, Auburn University (2021–present) 
  • Leads integrated research and Extension programming supporting commercial oyster aquaculture and seafood safety 
  • Provides technical expertise and program leadership for industry-focused training, workforce development, and stakeholder engagement 
  • Adjunct Scientist, Mote Marine Laboratory (2022–present) 
  • Senior Marine Scientist, Dauphin Island Sea Lab (2022–present) 
  • Former Staff Scientist and Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Marine Immunology Program, Mote Marine Laboratory
  • Former Assistant Quality Assurance Officer, Mote Marine Laboratory 
  • Adjunct faculty appointments at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee and Southern Technical College 
  • Experience managing externally funded research programs, supervising students and staff, and collaborating with academic, government, and industry partners

Research

Dr. Tarnecki’s research focuses on microbial ecology and host–microbe interactions in aquaculture systems.  Primary research areas include: 
  • Oyster health, mortality events, and development of microbial biomarkers 
  • Investigation of Sudden Unusual Mortality Syndrome (SUMS) in commercial oyster production 
  • Probiotics and microbial management strategies for marine aquaculture 
  • Seafood safety, including detection, monitoring, and mitigation of human pathogenic bacteria 
  • Optimization of oyster aquaculture across all life stages, from larvae to market size 
  • Effects of environmental stressors (e.g., salinity, temperature, crowding) on oyster performance and survival 
  • Interactions between aquaculture practices, microbial communities, and animal physiology 
  • Integration of laboratory, field-based, and industry-driven research approaches

 

Extension Experience

Dr. Tarnecki engages with diverse audiences to communicate science-based information related to aquaculture, seafood safety, and coastal sustainability. 
  • Delivers invited talks and public lectures for community groups, industry organizations, and educational programs 
  • Participates in public forums and stakeholder meetings addressing oyster aquaculture and food systems 
  • Engages with regional and national media to provide expert commentary on oyster mortality events, aquaculture growth, and seafood safety issues 
  • Contributes to public-facing content including blogs, newsletters, webinars, and recorded presentations
  • Collaborates with educators, nonprofit organizations, and agencies to broaden access to aquaculture knowledge 
  • Supports community engagement activities and coastal outreach events related to marine science and aquaculture

Extension

Dr. Tarnecki leads an Extension program focused on advancing commercial oyster aquaculture through applied research translation and workforce development. 
  • Leads the Commercial Oyster Aquaculture Sector Training (COAST) Program, a workforce development initiative serving Alabama and Mississippi 
  • Develops and delivers workshops, field demonstrations, webinars, and farm consultations for oyster producers 
  • Provides technical guidance on oyster health, mortality mitigation, and seafood safety 
  • Produces Extension publications, decision-support tools, and technical resources for industry stakeholders 
  • Works closely with Sea Grant programs, state and federal agencies, and nonprofit partners

Teaching & Mentorship

Dr. Tarnecki is actively engaged in graduate and undergraduate teaching and mentorship, with an emphasis on experiential learning, applied research, and professional development in aquaculture and marine science. 
  • Chairs and co-chairs M.S. and Ph.D. students in areas including oyster health, seafood safety, microbial ecology, and wildlife–aquaculture interactions 
  • Mentors undergraduate and post-baccalaureate trainees through directed studies, internships, and competitive research programs 
  • Emphasizes student-led research, scientific communication, and conference participation 
  • Advises students on grant writing, professional development, and career pathways in aquaculture and marine science 
  • Participates in national and regional mentoring initiatives supporting early-career scientists

Grants & Program Development

Dr. Tarnecki has extensive experience developing, leading, and contributing to externally funded research and Extension programs that support aquaculture production, seafood safety, and workforce development. 
  • Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on federally funded projects supported by NOAA, USDA, Sea Grant, NSF, and other agencies 
  • Secured and managed multi-year funding for applied research, Extension programming, and stakeholder training initiatives 
  • Leads development of multi-institutional and multi-state programs addressing oyster health, mortality mitigation, and industry resilience
  • Integrates grant-funded research outcomes into Extension tools, training curricula, and on-farm applications 
  • Collaborates with academic institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners on competitive proposals 
  • Experienced in program planning, budget oversight, reporting, and compliance