Dr Amina Moss

Lecturer in Nutrition

Institute of Aquaculture Stirling

Dr Amina Moss

Contact details

About me

As a lecturer in Aquaculture Nutrition, I bring a unique perspective to the field due to my background in the Bahamas. This has instilled in me a deep appreciation for the diversity of marine ecosystems, which drives my passion for understanding the impact of changing environments on the nutritional needs of farmed aquatic species, particularly crustaceans such as Artemia, lobsters, and penaeids.

With expertise in formulation and developing feeds, I want to focus on creating feeds that enhance climate resilience in aquatic species, particularly by improving their antioxidative stress response. I have experience formulating diets, analysing lipid and amino acid content, and evaluating immune response and flesh quality. My past work also includes extracting calcium and phospholipids from mollusc by-products to promote the health and sustainability of farmed aquatic species.

Divisional/Faculty/University Contribution Chair of the Institute of Aquaculture Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) committee

Other Academic Activities Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

My research interests include:

  • Investigating the nutritional requirements of aquatic species, specifically crustaceans, in response to changing environments

  • Creating climate-resilient feeds that improve antioxidative stress and overall health in farmed aquatic species

  • Exploring the utilisation and extraction of bioactive compounds

  • Studying the interaction between aquaculture feeds and the environment, including the effects on water quality and ecological systems.

Community Contribution

MAK STEM Fest: Celebrating Successful Engagement With Future STEM Talent
ALIenergy

https://www.scottishpower.com/…stem_talent.aspx
The first MAK STEM Fest, an event focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, was held at the Machrihanish Airbase Community Company (MACC) Business Park. Organized by ALIenergy with support from ScottishPower Renewables, the event aimed to introduce over 140 secondary students from Campbeltown, Tarbert, and Lochgilphead to the different STEM career opportunities available within their region. After 3 PM, the event was opened to the wider community members. The University of Stirling was represented by staff from the Marine Environmental Research Laboratory (MERL)/the Institute of Aquaculture, Mr Chessor Matthews, Dr David Bassett, Dr Matthew Sprague and Dr Amina Moss. Other companies varied from the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Discover Space UK, Forestry and Land Scotland, to the Royal Navy. The event was composed of a series of hands-on/interactive workshops with a stream of rotating students, allowing everyone to experience and learn about diverse STEM fields. The University of Stirling’s contributions offered students a closer look into the aquaculture sector. Participants were shown feed pellets in varying sizes as they learned about the dietary needs of salmon across its life cycle. They also learned to identify EPA and DHA peaks on printed GC-MS chromatograms to distinguish between land-based and marine-based oils. Furthermore, they were able to touch and identify the internal organs of a dissected salmon, as well as recognise various fish anatomical structures from printed histological slides. Participants were also able to analyse water samples for ammonia content and salinity levels, as they learnt about the importance of water quality. Additionally, with the use of microscopes, students observed the life stages of Artemia, from cysts to adults with eggs, and examined different life stages of sea lice. MAK STEM Fest hopes to be an annual event, and all interested staff are welcome to contribute! More information can be found here: https://www.westcoasttoday.co.uk/news/appliance-of-science-as-pupils-unlock-new-career-opportunties

Divisional / Faculty Contribution

High School Networking Event

https://www.susaquastirling.net/…-school-outreach
Led the organization of high school students being hosted at the Institute of Aquaculture, an event sponsored by Salmon Scotland, and assisted by PhD students. The event included a campus tour, PhD flash presentations, lunch (pizzas and soft drinks), and a scavenger hunt.

Event / Presentation

Aquaculture – A Viable Plan- B
University of the Bahamas

University of The Bahamas Sustainable Grand Bahama Conference 2022

WiSA- Interview with Amina Moss

https://www.wisa.scot/interviews/interview-with-amina-moss

Professional membership

Aurora Advance HE

https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/programmes-events/aurora
Aurora is designed to inspire and encourage women in academic and professional roles in higher education to consider leadership in their career and develop themselves as leaders. While some progress has been made, women continue to remain underrepresented in leadership roles in higher education. In order to continue to redress the balance we need women who can be the leaders of tomorrow to have the aspiration, skills, knowledge and opportunity to pursue these roles.

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