Graduate Student Profile: Kom Silapajarn

by Mary Nidiffer

Kom Silapajarn, PD/A CRSP graduate student at Auburn University

RSP graduate student Kom Silapajarn attributes his interest in the aquacultural sciences to his childhood love of the sea. Prompted by this early interest, Silapajarn was led to further studies of fisheries, which recently brought him to the PD/A CRSP.

Silapajarn is currently attending Auburn University in pursuit of a Ph.D. Auburn’s excellent reputation in the areas of fisheries and aquaculture lured him to the program, as did the prospect of working with CRSP researcher Dr. Claude Boyd. “Hav[ing] the chance to study under the direction of Prof. Boyd makes me most proud,” said Silapajarn.

Silapajarn became began working with the CRSP in July 2001 and is now involved in Boyd ‘s Pond Dynamics investigation, “Effects of Pond Age on Bottom Soil Quality,” which connects Auburn University and Kasetsart University in Thailand, where Silapajarn studied Fisheries Biology as an undergraduate student. The four objectives of this investigation are to determine relationships between pond age and other key bottom soil quality variables; to evaluate the neutralizing value, particle-size distribution, and calcium and magnesium content of liming materials normally used by fish farmers in Thailand and use the data on soil characteristics and liming materials to improve the liming technique; to compare different methods of pond soil organic matter analyses; and to prepare recommendations on pond bottom soil management that consider changes in soil quality in ponds. Silapajarn will bring his expertise to the project from having over 20 years of experience as a fisheries scientist. He says that the results from this study could bring about better understanding of water and soil pond dynamics and ultimately improve the information required for pond management.

Silapajarn recalls that developing tropical mollusk hatchery techniques in Thailand has been one of the most challenging things that he has ever done. “Molluscan hatcheries are new businesses in tropical countries like Thailand. It started about fifteen years ago and I had a chance to be part of the pioneer group working on this project,” says Silapajarn.

Although Silapajarn’s project will not be complete until April 2003, he is already looking forward to life after graduation, when he hopes to bring his knowledge of aquaculture and pond management back to Thailand. He is enthusiastic about the many factors that make Thailand well suited for aquaculture, such as an ideal temperature range for the rapid growth of most aquatic species, tropical weather rarely troubled by severe storms, and muddy soils suitable for pond construction. Silapajarn mentions that a major obstacle facing aquaculture development in Thailand seems to be an insufficiency in resource management and planning. At the same time, however, he notes that Thai people have a long history of prosperous work in the aquaculture industry.

Silapajarn wishes to eventually teach at the university level in Thailand. When he isn’t working with the CRSP, Silapajarn enjoys traveling abroad to meet different people and see different cultures.