Meet the ABC Team

The Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center (ABC) team brings together a diverse group of professionals who support oyster breeding research, hatchery operations, field studies, and services for the aquaculture industry. Working collaboratively, our staff help advance the development and evaluation of oyster lines with traits important to commercial production, while supporting research partnerships and the continued growth of Virginia’s oyster aquaculture industry

Meet the people behind ABC’s research, operations, and outreach.

Small, Jessica Moss
Assistant Professor; Director, Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center
Email: [[v|jamoss]]
Phone: (804) 684-7955
Office: Andrews Hall 408
Unit: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center
Interests: Shellfish aquaculture, genetics, genomics
Links: {{https://www.vims.edu/research/units/centerspartners/abc/,Lab Website}}, {{https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2640-8170,ORCID}}, {{https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=wW-CXSEAAAAJ&hl=en,Google Scholar}}

Chesler-Poole, Amanda
Hatchery Operations Manager
Email: [[achesler]]
Phone: (804) 684-7301
Office: Acuff Center for Aquaculture
Section: Natural Resources
Unit: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center

Nichols, Taylor
Masters Student
Email: [[v|tcdolan]]
Office: Andrews Hall 410
Advisor: {{https://www.vims.edu/about/directory/faculty/small_jm.php,Jessica Moss Small}}

Geyerhahn, Nathan
Broodstock Manager
Email: [[nateg]]
Phone: (804) 684-7864
Office: Andrews Hall 409
Section: Natural Resources
Unit: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center

Hoffeditz, Libby
Research Technician
Email: [[v|ehoffeditz]]
Phone: (804) 684-7712
Office: Andrews 413
Section: Natural Resources
Center: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center
Links: {{https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1258-7033,ORCID}}

Katsuki, Shelley Sullivan
Hatchery and Field Research Coordinator
Email: [[shelley]]
Phone: (804) 684-7956
Office: Andrews Hall 412
Section: Natural Resources
Center: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center

Varney, Robin
Assistant Research Scientist
Email: [[v|rlvarney]]
Phone: (804) 684-7710
Office: Andrews Hall 414
Section: Natural Resources
Unit: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center
Research Interests: oysters, population genetics, genomics, molecular biology, shellfish genetics, aquaculture
Links: {{https://orcid.org/0009-0000-5306-3409,ORCID}}

Ruffhead, Kiley
Hatchery and Field Technician
Email: [[v|kmruffhead]]
Phone: (804) 684-7757
Office: Andrews Hall Room 410
Section: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center

Healy Ealy-Whitfield, standing in the water surrounded by oyster baskets

Ealy-Whitfield, Healy
Field Technician
Email: [[v|hlealywhitfield]]
Phone: (804) 684-6107
Office: Acuff Center for Aquaculture Room 137
Section: Natural Resources
Unit: Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology

ABC Staff

Dr Jess Small

Director Dr. Jessica Small has served as Director of the Aquaculture Genetics and Breeding Technology Center (ABC) since 2021. Since returning to VIMS as a postdoctoral research associate in 2008, she has held several leadership roles, including Research Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Associate Director. She earned her Ph.D. in Marine Science from VIMS in 2007 and her B.Sc. in Marine and Freshwater Biology from the University of New Hampshire in 2000. Her work focuses on advancing aquaculture genetics and breeding through research, innovation, and collaboration.

Dr Robin Varney

Shellfish Geneticist Robin brings expertise in molecular biology, genetics, and genomics to ABC’s research efforts. Her experience includes DNA sequencing, next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis, and the use of genetic and genomic tools to support research. She applies her technical skills and problem-solving abilities to laboratory work, helping advance ABC’s research into oyster genetics and breeding.

Amanda Chesler Poole

Hatchery Operations Manager Amanda oversees ABC’s hatchery operations, coordinating oyster production to support the center’s breeding program and research projects. She previously worked as ABC’s algologist, bringing valuable experience in algal culture and hatchery science to her current role. Amanda also manages ABC’s Oyster Aquaculture Training (OAT) program, providing participants with hands-on experience and training to prepare them for careers in the aquaculture industry.

Shelley Katsuki

Research Coordinator Shelley has a longstanding interest in polyploid breeding and genetics, particularly the creation and propagation of tetraploid oysters. She supports ABC’s overall mission and daily operations, with a focus on specific, grant-funded research projects. She primarily facilitates externally funded projects at ABC and serves as a liaison between the hatchery, field operations, and principal investigators (PIs) who need biological material for collaborative projects conducted outside VIMS.

Nate Geyerhahn

ABC Broodstock manager Nate has been part of ABC since its inception in 1997 and oversees the center’s broodstock program. He manages ABC’s oyster broodstock at all of our various field sites and plays an important role in maintaining the lines that support the breeding program. He also coordinates the distribution of broodstock to Virginia’s aquaculture industry, helping make ABC’s oyster lines available to commercial hatcheries.

Healy Ealy-Whitfield

Field Specialist Healy coordinates ABC’s field research activities and helps manage the center’s oyster farms, equipment, and field gear. She plays an important role in keeping field operations organized and running smoothly, supporting research projects and ensuring the resources needed for fieldwork are ready when needed.

Libby Hoffeditz

Laboratory Specialist Libby supports ABC’s laboratory, hatchery, and field operations, contributing to a variety of research projects and daily activities across the center. She specializes in flow cytometry for oyster ploidy analysis and certification, and assists with training and troubleshooting. She also plays an active role in hatchery production and field research, while contributing to ABC’s outreach and communications efforts.

Kiley Ruffhead

Hatchery Technician Kiley supports ABC’s hatchery and nursery operations, helping care for oysters throughout their early stages of development. Her work contributes to the production and maintenance of oysters for ABC’s breeding program and research projects.