Based in Bergen, Norway Dr. Maria Nayfa has recently joined Benchmark's Genetics Services team as a senior geneticist. The company has now expanded its technology portfolio, including providing extensive genomic tools and highly cost-effective genotyping solutions for a wide range of global aquaculture species. She joins a team of more than 25 specialized geneticists and selective breeding experts.
Dr. Nayfa joins Benchmark Genetics after having worked in the aquaculture industry in both Singapore and Australia. According to the company announcement on the appointment, her experience revolves around the use of genetics in aquaculture selective breeding programs to improve global food security and aquaculture production.
In particular, she has experience in applied aquaculture genetics, quantitative genetics, population genetics, and the use of molecular data to correct paper pedigree records in selective breeding programs. In her role as senior geneticist at Benchmark Genetics, she will be responsible for technical deliveries to major external clients, including assessing and advising selective breeding programs and implementing these new technologies to optimize genetic improvement.
"We are excited to have Maria on board and are confident that her expertise will significantly contribute to our organization's continued success," said the company in its welcome message. "I'm looking forward to this new chapter, and all of the collaborations and opportunities to come!," stated Dr. Nayfa on her LinkedIn profile when announcing her new job.
The new senior geneticist of Benchmark Genetics completed her BSc with Distinction at Duke University, USA, MSc at James Cook University, Australia, and her Ph.D. in Aquaculture Genetics at James Cook University, Australia. She is a big proponent of international partnerships and has worked closely with collaborators on projects in 9 countries and on more than 10 species.
Fully subsidiary of the market-leading aquaculture biotechnology company Benchmark Holdings plc., Benchmark Genetics is the leading provider of genetics services based on extensive experience from 30 applied breeding programs involving 20 species in 16 countries.
The Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries recently granted the company two salmon broodstock licenses – a land-based broodstock permit and a sea-based broodstock permit – that will strengthen its genetic capabilities and improve the security of supply for its customers.