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Benchmark Genetics hires new lead of Molecular Genetics program

Benchmark Genetics has hired a new genomics expert to lead its newest Molecular Genetics program.

Dr. Carolina Peñaloza is the senior scientist of Benchmark’s Molecular Genetics program in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo: Benchmark Genetics)

Dr. Carolina Peñaloza will be the senior scientist of the company’s new state-of-the-art laboratory in Edinburgh, Scotland. The program aims to optimize genotyping and other genomics solutions for Benchmarks’ salmon, shrimp, and tilapia breeding operations. Peñaloza will lead the expansion of Benchmark Genetics Services to more external clients and also develop research and development activities.

Peñaloza holds an MPhil and PhD in Genetics and Genomics, both from The University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. She has had several research positions, including postdoctoral roles at The Roslin Institute. Before joining Benchmark, she was involved in multiple aquaculture research projects, national and international. She has designed and tested two successful and widely-used SNP arrays – a combined-species sea bass and bream array and a Nile tilapia array. She has also worked on expanding key genomic resources for the main aquaculture species.

“Carolina’s impressive track record of molecular genetics and bioinformatics in aquaculture species makes her the ideal person to take this role,” said Dr. Ross Houston, Director of Innovation in Benchmark Genetics. “Her appointment significantly strengthens our capacity to design and apply cost-effective genomic tools to support the genetic improvement of aquaculture species.”