Dr. Reading has research expertise in aquaculture (fish farming) and physiology and genetics of fishes. Aquaculture is the fastest growing food animal agriculture sector in the world, yet 90% of the seafood consumed in the US is imported and this has created an annual $17 billion trade deficit. This deficit has been elevated from being an economic concern to being a food supply and national security concern. Dr. Reading served as Chair (2023-2024) and Aquaculture Coordinator (2018-2024) for USDA NRSP-8 National Animal Genome Research Program. He also is Coordinator of NOAA/Sea Grant National Aquaculture Collaborative StriperHub (2020-present) & USDA National Breeding Program for the US Hybrid Striped Bass Industry (2013-present), and member of the USDA Southern Regional Aquaculture Center (2017-present). These are examples of government, academic, and private sector national partnerships that promote the expansion of US aquaculture. Dr. Reading was Brevetted 2nd Lieutenant US Army, was a former researcher for USAID AquaFish Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa and is an FFAR New Innovator in Food and Agriculture. He also is a subject matter expert for the US federal government regarding seafood supply security, seafood importation, and aquaculture production (US DHS, Threats to Food and Agricultural Resources).