Center for Aquaculture Technologies recruits fish geneticist

A Scotland-based aquaculture genetics expert has joined US-Canadian R&D and contract service organisation, the Center of Aquaculture Technologies (CAT).

Dr Panagiotis (Panos) Kokkinias, who was most recently working as a post-doctoral research assistant at the University of Stirling, brings over 20 years of multi-species, academic, and private-sector experience in the realm of aquaculture genetics, genomics, and breeding to CAT.

Kokkinias holds a PhD in Aquaculture Genetics from the Roslin Institute (University of Edinburgh), an MSc from Stirling, and a BSc from the Technological Educational Institute of Western Greece.

Growing portfolio

“I am delighted to welcome Panos to the CAT breeding team. His arrival reflects CAT’s rapidly growing global breeding client portfolio,” said Dr Klara Verbyla, CAT’s vice president of genetic improvement.

“Panos brings exceptional expertise in quantitative genetics, genomics, and applied breeding, further enhancing CAT’s ability to continue to deliver unmatched genetic improvement strategies and products to the aquaculture industry.”

Kokkinias’ previous experience includes almost two years working for Landcatch Natural Selection at its Atlantic salmon smolt hatchery in Gairloch, Scotland.

Innovations in bioscience

In a press release from CAT, he said he was excited to be able to continue to “contribute to innovations in animal bioscience based on reproduction” while working to deliver impactful results for clients.

CAT has facilities located in San Diego, California, and in Victoria and Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada, and has customers worldwide.

It has steadily been strengthening its breeding team, and just under two years ago recruited former Benchmark genetics technical services director Alan Tinch as its vice president of genetics.