Postdocs

Dr. Tony Kess

I am a visiting postdoctoral researcher interested in ecological genomics in marine species, located at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Currently, I am applying population and quantitative genomic methods to characterize genomic architecture variation in Atlantic cod using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) panel from a recently developed SNP chip. Atlantic cod exhibit variation in migratory behaviours; identifying the genomic variation associated with these differences is important in understanding how features of the genome may produce ecologically diverse communities of the same species. Practically, this knowledge is integral to accurately measuring human impacts within this species, and in developing improved management strategies guided by genomic information.

Dr. Kara Layton

I am a postdoctoral researcher at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I use genomic data to answer questions about the evolution of marine biodiversity and the processes promoting diversification, both from a micro- and macroevolutionary perspective. Currently, I am using a genome-wide SNP panel to identify climate-associated genomic variation and assess genomic vulnerability to climate change in Arctic charr in northeastern Canada. I am also evaluating the performance of genome-wide SNPs and sequencing-based microsatellites for resolving population structure and quantifying exploitation in this species. Together, this research provides insight into future climate change impacts on Arctic charr, and expands our understanding of diversity and exploitation in this vital northern fish species, having important implications for its management.

Dr. Melissa Holborn

I am a postdoctoral researcher at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. I am currently investigating hybridization between wild and escaped aquaculture Atlantic salmon in southern Newfoundland and the genetic implications of introgression on wild populations. With the growth of Atlantic salmon aquaculture in this region, the investigation of the impacts of escapees on wild populations will be increasingly important for both fisheries management and population conservation efforts. My previous work involved the use of large genome wide SNP datasets to determine the genetic architecture of economically important disease resistance traits in aquaculture Atlantic salmon to enhance the current breeding program.