DAFVM Spotlight Employee: Sean Pruett
Sean Pruett
Twenty years ago, Sean Pruett was preparing himself for an engineering career that he could only imagine.
His multifaceted background in welding, marine industry and engineering created in him a passion to work diligently, and at the Delta Research and Extension Center, he does just that.
“Catfish farming is new to me, but I’ve been able to apply skills I knew before to my job here,” Pruett said.
He is responsible for daily maintenance of the catfish compound and oversees six employees. For the most part, he works independently but performs community tasks such as caring for catfish ponds and corresponding with scientists who are working to improve the catfish enterprise.
“We’re involved with research that is making a direct impact in the industry today, and it has a profound impact on catfish in today’s market,” Pruett explained. “Catfish farming is a big industry that provides jobs, state revenue and tax dollars.”
But it is not the big industry that appeals to Pruett -- it is his hand in the constant improvement of catfish aquaculture. In the last year, Pruett has aided researchers in implementing a vaccine for the biggest disease catfish face.
Years of educational preparation prepared him for that involvement. While working at Stoneville full-time, Pruett completed a bachelor’s degree from Mississippi State University in Business and Technology and began working on a master’s degree.
“Opportunities present themselves. Any choice we make, we gain experience from,” he said.
When Pruett is not supervising the engineering shop or researching for school, he continues his work ethic by managing a small welding business.
“I enjoy working, but I love spending time with my family,” Pruett said.
Pruett and his wife have been together for 16 years. Together they have one 13-year-old daughter, Maggie. Pruett has a son Zach, 25, and a stepson, Jarrion, who is 21.
Editor's note: The Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Spotlight Employee profiles are provided by the Office of Agricultural Communications at Mississippi State. For more information, please click here.
