John Hawke’s interest in aquatic animals began at a young age when he kept aquariums at home but was developed further by his experiences with the estuarine environment. From the time he was 10 years old until he went to college, he would spend at least a month each summer at his Aunt and Uncle’s house on Palmetto Creek which feeds into Perdido Bay in South Alabama. It was here that he learned to fish, crab, shrimp and developed a curiosity about the diversity of aquatic life in this brackish water environment.
His interest in the study of fish health began at Auburn University where he was involved in a project with his mentor Dr. John Plumb, investigating a large fish kill that involved portions of Perdido Bay in Alabama and Escambia Bay in Florida.
Currently, Dr. John Hawke is a professor of Aquatic Animal Health at the Louisiana State University (LSU) school of Veterinary Medicine, where he teaches various courses including the graduate course of Diseases of Aquatic Animals. In addition, Dr. Hawke is also the Chief Diagnostician and Section Head of the Louisiana Aquatic Diagnostic Laboratory.
Dr. Hawke has been involved in fish health research, teaching, and diagnostics for over 40 years. He has served as the President of the Fish Health Section of the American Fisheries Society and received the S.F. Snieszko Distinguished Service Award from the American Fisheries Society in 2010. Dr. Hawke is probably best known for the discovery and naming of Edwardsiella ictaluri the causative agent of Enteric Septicemia of Catfish.
Dr. Hawke still enjoys helping aquaculturists solve their problems through his position with the Aquatic Diagnostic Lab and enjoy teaching the vet students. He also enjoys fishing, playing bluegrass music with his wife and friends, as well as playing with his 6 grandchildren.
Dr. John Hawke is sponsored by Charles’ Fish Room.
