Jolene is a software developer who works as part of our IT development team on our breeding software Dtreo. Jolene holds a Bachelor of Education in Mathematics and Human Movement Science and after a teaching career pursued a Bachelor of Science in IT whereafter she started her software development career. Jolene likes to make other …
Anna Mackenzie joined the team in October 2023 as the Executive Assistant for the Aotearoa NZ-based global management team. She came to AbacusBio from a varied background that formerly concentrated on hospitality and customer service and latterly concentrated on administration and EA roles. In her day-to-day tasks, she helps look after all manner of operational …
Matt Newman, joined AbacusBio in 2023. Matt is a Senior Economist with vast agricultural production experience and affinity with New Zealand livestock sectors. Over the last 25 years Matt has developed and led Economic teams for Beef+Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ and MPI. Matt specialises in farm systems analysis, benchmarking, forecasting and environmental impact assessments. Before …
Doug is a Quantitative Genetics consultant and works with clients to help solve a wide range of genetic questions. This could be anything from building a genetic selection index, helping direct an elite or commercial breeding program, modelling specific investment or genetic scenarios, developing strategies around crossbreeding and inbreeding avoidance, or development of software, data …
As a veterinarian with a genetics PhD, Ee Cheng works across a wide variety of animal projects. A typical day for her might include building genetic evaluations for health and fertility traits, modelling changes to farm systems, or working with clients to help them get value out of their data. One of her favourite projects …
Marcio is a plant breeder specialized in design of breeding strategies, quantitative data analysis, and project management in plant breeding programs. He is passionate about science and technology and aways aiming to see the practical application of his work. Marcio believes that “in the business world, science without practical application is a dormant science”. Marcio …
Giselle is a Chartered Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors, an experienced company director, CEO and was previously a lawyer for over 30 years. Giselle’s career roles have been varied – working internationally as a lawyer as well as General Counsel for New Zealand’s largest insurance company, living and breathing agribusiness for some …
Jabus first joined us in April 2021 as a research assistant and soon embarked on a PhD. His PhD is through Lincoln University in Christchurch, but he is also co-supervised by Peter Amer and Peter Fennessy here at AbacusBio. Originally from South Africa, Jabus completed a Bachelor’s degree in animal science and agricultural science, before …
Luna specialises in building mathematically-driven models, conducting analysis and producing visual reports for delivering insights for breeding, whether it is livestock or plant. Luna is passionate in transferring data into business insights. She has a fierce passion for communicating data to different audience groups using personalised visuals and storytelling techniques. Originally from China and having …
Kevin has a strong practical dairy background having managed dairy farms for several years prior to joining AbacusBio in 2013 and having been involved with dairy research and consulting in Australia. Kevin is keen to help farming clients gain the maximum value from their farming operation, through the implementation of sound monitoring systems. His focus …
Born and raised in Poland, Kat joined AbacusBio in 2013 and is an expert on animal breeding and genetics with special interest in genetic variability and the long term consequences of selection. Her experience in the genetic evaluation of sheep and cattle, variance components estimation, economic selection indexes and the identification of key ancestors for …
Cheryl specialises in breeding programs around the world. She enjoys teamwork and thrives in a collaborative environment, engaging closely with colleagues and clients to develop solutions and tools in quantitative genetics, breeding programs, and selection indexes for a wide range of species. Her work includes sheep, beef, dairy, fish, poultry, and crops species. Cheryl joined …
Luke specialises in the implementation of on-farm research projects. His past experience on a variety of science and research projects has given him a broad understanding of scientific processes and how they relate to the agricultural industry. His role at AbacusBio includes working with sheep and cattle breeders on the application of DNA tests and …
Madeleine joined us in May 2021, to extend our growing expertise in plant biotechnology. She recently finished a Master’s degree, looking at the biochemical and physiological effects of microplastic and phenanthrene toxicity (using marine macroalgae as a model). Originally from Hamburg, Madeleine spent a large portion of her childhood both in Europe and the Bay of …
Nadia joined AbacusBio in 2013 and specialises in the implementation of on-farm research projects, such as the Hill Central Progeny Test. Nadia’s focus is on lifting productivity behind the farm gate. Her background includes working with sheep breeders on the research and development of DNA tests and SNP technology and the logistical implementation of meat …
Jarek brings his pleasant and diligent personality to the AbacusBio team. Originally from Poland, Jarek joined AbacusBio in 2018 with a strong administrative skillset, backed by his professional accountancy background. Jarek works closely with the administrative team on general administrative duties, financial reporting, and providing support in project and budget management. His focus within AbacusBio …
Shalini is a Consultant Project Manager and she manages several projects – both external and internal. For our client-facing jobs, Shalini’s primary responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of the project, within the agreed budget and timeline. She does this by being involved in the projects from the start to understand the client needs …
Loame first came to AbacusBio as an intern, while pursuing a genetics degree at the University of Otago. She is highly driven and brings her creative, pragmatic mindset towards her work at AbacusBio. At AbacusBio, she is involved in several projects looking at the development of practical packages to support the development of new plant products, …
Cheryl is the first person you will meet at reception when entering our Dunedin office. Her approachable, friendly and bubbly personality will instantly put you at ease and make you feel right at home. Cheryl joined AbacusBio in 2014 and her role comprises of reception, administrative, and general office support duties. She brings years of …
Jamie first joined us as an intern in 2020 after finishing a Bachelor of Information Technology from Otago Polytechnic. During his internship, he re-designed the user experience for Gemnetics’ suite of breeding software products. Born and bred in Mosgiel, Jamie has a strong eye for detail and developed a strong passion for building websites and …
Sam is an all-rounded agricultural expert. He brings to you his deep technical expertise in livestock breeding, genetics, and production. Having gained an MBA from Deakin University in Australia, he also possesses a strong skillset in corporate agricultural management and economic analysis. Originally from Brisbane, Australia, Sam offers practicality and versatility in his quest to …
Martyn joined AbacusBio in 2019 as a software developer and brings to us his deep experience in IT and coding. Originally from Pukekohe in New Zealand, his varied roles across the country has led him to pursue a DipGrad in IT at the University of Otago. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in …
Dallas brings to us a wealth of experience in accounting and financial management. Born and bred in Dunedin, he gained a Bachelor of Science degree in Ecology and a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting from the University of Otago. He also holds a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Massey University. After coming back to New Zealand …
Hannah joined us in 2021, bringing to us her varied experience in science writing, finance, operations, and go-to-market strategy. Hannah’s strengths lie in having an inquiring mind and her ability to see the best in people. Originally from Tauranga, and having grown up in Katikati and Rotorua, she holds a BE(Hons) degree in chemical and …
Mark is an IT manager and a consultant with a remarkable track record. With over 14 years of commercial experience in New Zealand and London, across the health, energy, banking, and agri-tech sectors, Mark is naturally the go-to expert for advising clients on leveraging IT to meet their business needs. Mark joined AbacusBio in 2012, …
Bruno focuses on promoting and disseminating breeding strategies to increase efficiency and sustainability in livestock and plant production. Bruno has a global understanding of the agricultural sector, combined with his expertise in development of breeding objectives, and practical application of genetic improvement principles. His approach is to deliver expertise with passion, customer centric focus and …
Neville joined AbacusBio in 2001, coming from an extensive practical and applied science background in New Zealand and European agricultural science and agribusiness. He has developed a variety of technological innovations in the areas of imaging technology, measurement of carcasses and meat cuts in live animals using CT and ultrasound scanning, as well as genetic …
Fiona is a logical thinker and a great problem solver. You will find that she has a good listening ear and is able to successfully help you piece the puzzles together to resolve challenges and meet your data needs. Fiona specialises in the design and simulation of breeding programs and optimisation, bringing to clients her …
Simon is a practical person full of ideas and the passion to work with farmers. As a farm consultant at AbacusBio, Simon finds great satisfaction in advising and helping farmers succeed in making their farm systems more practical and efficient. Drawing on his science-based skills and practical experience, Simon’s own mixed system farming background has …
Peter is constantly curious, which may explain why he loves science so much. He loves digging into a problem and whilst he is technically very capable, he also looks at the world with a glint in his entrepreneur’s eye. Peter is a champion of science being practical and understanding the science and the commercial landscape …
Jude is an accomplished problem-solver with ideas and she has the tenacity to bring them to life. Her analytical mind, excellent attention to detail, and commercial acumen make her an outstanding consultant at AbacusBio. Jude specialises in genetics, modelling, and software development. She is also skilled in communicating complex information clearly, which streamlines and enhances …
Peter is a world-class scientist, renowned for his multi-faceted approach to designing and developing effective breeding programs. He has a talent for creating practical innovative solutions that apply to a range of complex issues, whether it be technical, commercial, or political. It is not surprising that his problem-solving capabilities are widely sought around the world. …
