Newsham Choice Genetics adds to R&D roster
Thursday, July 31, 2008, West Des Moines, IA
Swine genetics provider Newsham Choice Genetics has announced the addition of two researchers to its Research and Development. Both will be based at the Newsham Choice Genetics St. Louis Research Center.
Jennifer McDonald joins the team as Research Scientist, Statistical Geneticist – Marker-Assisted Breeding. McDonald will receive her Ph.D. in animal breeding and genetics this summer from the University of Nebraska where she also earned her Master of Science degree in animal science. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from the University of Missouri.
As part of her research work at the University of Nebraska, McDonald was a leader in a large-selection experiment in laboratory animals which was aimed at the dissection of genetic variation in feed energy utilization and mitochondrial efficiency.
Her role at Newsham Choice Genetics will include the development of new statistical methods for marker-assisted breeding. She will also provide leadership for a new collaborative project with Iowa State University to develop methods for genomic selection and will also share time at Iowa State as a Visiting Scientist.
Dr. Douglas Newcom has joined the company as a Breeding and Genetics Specialist. Newcom received his Ph.D. in 2004 from Iowa State University with a major in animal breeding and genetics, and a minor in statistics. He also earned a Master of Science degree in animal science from Iowa State and a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University.
Newcom’s research work at Iowa State focused on genetic applications of ultrasound in measuring swine carcass composition and pork quality, which has resulted in the publication of several peer-reviewed papers.
At Newsham Choice Genetics, Newcom will contribute to internal research projects and interact with internal and external herds to ensure efficient execution of breeding strategies and maximization of genetic value to customers. Before joining Newsham Choice Genetics, he was director of research and development for Genetic Improvement Services of North Carolina.
“We are very excited about the addition of these two exceptional research scientists to our research and development efforts,” says Archie Clutter, Vice President of Research & Development for Newsham Choice Genetics. “Their contribution to our genomic research will provide real value to our customers.”
About Newsham Choice Genetics
www.newsham.com
Newsham Choice Genetics is the second largest swine genetics supplier in North America. The company is the leader of marker assisted selection in pigs; using 6,000 SNPs in discovery and selection, and offers a variety of high-performance maternal and terminal products to the swine industry. Newsham employs approximately 100 people.
