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Kevin Smith
Kevin brings extensive experience in plant breeding and
genetics to the AbacusBio team. He is passionate about
developing practical solutions to complex technical issues.
Kevin’s areas of expertise include:
·
technical expertise in
genetics and breeding of forage, grain and horticultural crops;
design and analysis of plant evaluation trials
·
strategic analysis
expertise in research and technology development in the broad
biosciences area especially relating to plants
·
commercialisation of
genetics and biotechnology innovations
Before joining AbacusBio Kevin was Deputy Director of
Bioscience Research for the Victorian Department of Primary
Industries and Professor of Molecular Plant Breeding at
LaTrobe University. His skills and leadership in plant
genetics and plant biosciences have led to invitations to
partner with, or undertake reviews of, programs in
Australia, New Zealand, Japan, UK, USA, Uruguay and
Argentina. Kevin completed a BAgrSc at the University of
Melbourne with a strong emphasis on plant and animal
genetics and plant pathology.
He then joined the Victorian Department of Primary
Industries and was a pioneer in the development of near
infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) applications for forage plant
analysis; he then completed a Masters degree in Melbourne.
Kevin used these skills to commence the breeding and
evaluation of a number of forage crops for improved
nutritive value, and then completed a PhD on the genetic and
physiological basis of increased water-soluble carbohydrates
in perennial ryegrass – in this he also worked at CSIRO in
Canberra and at the Institute of Grassland and Environmental
Research in Aberystwyth.
On his return from the UK, Kevin rejoined DPI to lead its
forage improvement activities and his team was responsible
for the commercialisation of improved cultivars of a number
of forage species including tall wheatgrass, tall fescue,
perennial ryegrass and white clover. During this time he
became actively involved in the development and application
of biotechnological applications in pasture species; forging
close relationships with colleagues in the laboratory and
breeding companies that were critical to the success of this
research.
Kevin went on to lead all plant breeding applications within
DPI including forage, grain and horticultural crops and has
extensive experience in the development of national
multi-agency research programs in plant genetics including
review, priority setting, program design and review. It is
this broad experience and drive to see the successful
utilisation of science and technology to practical problems
that Kevin brings to AbacusBio and its clients in on-farm,
corporate or strategic applications.
Contact
Kevin
P: +61 (0)3 5578 7277
E:
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