ALUMNI

Browse through the profiles of EMABG alumni who are working in the field of ABG.

Roberto Espinola (Paraguay): Junior Geneticist at the R&D Department (Genetics) of H&N International (currently living in Germany)

Employer: H&N International
Position: Junior Geneticist at the R&D Department (Genetics)
Tasks:
– Performance recording in pureline and crossline test farms
– Estimation of genetic parameters
– Parent-stock pipeline optimization

Positive:
– Quality of education in multicultural environments
– EMABG constant office support
– Welcome course and Summer school

Negative:
– No programming courses
– Fixed courses (no options to choose others)
– Unadjusted stipend for life costs in Scandinavia

Roberto EspinolaGraduated in 2022

Laurens Van der Giessen (Netherlands): employed at FAO (currently living in Italy)

Currently i’m working for the NSAP division of the FAO. I’m currently helping the animal genetics division improve the Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (DADIS) as well as aiding in any tasks related to the field of animal genetics.

I very much enjoyed my time as an EMABG student! the only thing i missed was lessons on programming using languages like R or python.

Laurens Van der GiessenGraduated in 2023

Hosur Shivappagowda Adarsha (India): Scientist in Fisheries at ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra (currently living in India), promoting  fisheries with new breeds, varieties and advanced aquaculture technologies.

I am working as a scientist in fisheries at ICAR Krishi Vigyan Kendra, India.

It was all nice. I can only look back and smile because everything was great. I am so proud of being an alumni of EMABG. I am grateful to the course coordinators, mentors and European Union for the generous grant which helped students like me to get a good post graduation.

Hosur Shivappagowda AdarshaGraduated in 2009

Dianne van der Spek (Netherlands): Geneticist at Topigs Norsvin (currently living in the Netherlands)

I work as a geneticist at Topigs Norsvin, pig breeding company.
My function entails amongst others partly R&D subjects and mainly developing new functionalities in breeding value estimation.
Some positive items: having an international experience, broader education
Dianne van der SpekGraduated in 2015

Binyam Dagnachew (Ethiopia): Research Scientist at Nofima (currently living in Norway)

Institution: Nofima
Position: Research Scientist
Task: Research

Company Profile

Positive: Meeting others and creating a professional network

Binyam DagnachewGraduated in 2009

Hooi Ling Khaw (Malaysia): Breeding Director for Asia Region at GenoMar Genetics AS (currently living in the Philippines)

Employer: GenoMar Genetics AS
Position: Breeding Director for Asia Region
Tasks: Manage the breeding nucleus in Asia for tilapia breeding programmes

Positive: Managed to meet with a lot of people from other countries with different background, which widening our network. Other than that I managed to learn a lot by doing my EMABG at two different countries with totally different culture, not limit to academic.
Negative: As we are the first batch of EMABG, we encountered a lot of issues related to academic structure differences at different universities, which caused some of us in trouble of not being able to do two theses. (But I am lucky that I managed to complete two theses, one with Wageningen University and another one with AgroParisTech).

Hooi Ling KhawGraduated in 2009

Xiaowei Mao (China): Assistant Professor at Chinese Academy of Sciences (currently living in China)

Institution: Chinese Academy of Sciences
Position: Assistant Professor
Tasks: Guide students on research projects (applying ancient DNA in both human and domesticated animals, polygenic selection, etc), apply for funding, etc

Company Profile

The multicultural experiences both in academic and international friendship have shaped my research and life in a very positive way. The world in my eyes is very different now, thanks to EMABG.
Xiaowei MaoGraduated in 2012

Qianqian Zhang (China): Professor at University of Science and Technology Beijing.

Previously: Senior Scientist at Beijing Agriculture Biotechnology Research Center (currently living in China)

I am now working as a Professor in University of Science and Technology Beijing.

My field is more related to human genetics and sequencing technology.

The positive side is that students from all over the world can get connected and learn and discuss freely together in this field. The teachers and supervisors in all different institutions are all very nice and great in teaching and sharing their knowledge and collaboration skills.
The negative side is that moving between different institutions is tough for students especially when the students have family.

Qianqian ZhangGraduated in 2013

Kadri Naveen Kumar (India): Senior Assistant at ETH Zurich (currently living in Switzerland)

All Positive.
Great course with a scholarship that was life-changing.
The course provided a solid base for a research career in the field of animal genetics

Kadri Naveen KumarGraduated in 2010

Yu Wang (China): Postdoctoral Scientist at Livestock Improvement Corporation (currently living in New Zealand)

Company: Livestock Improvement Corporation (LIC)
Position: Postdoctoral Scientist – Quantitative Genetics and Genomics
Tasks: Currently focusing on mapping the genetic determinants of commercially important traits, with the goal of leveraging these discoveries for dairy cattle genetic improvement and genomic selection.

Institution’s Profile

I really enjoyed my time studying at both WUR and BOKU. The experience of studying at EMABG laid me a solid knowledge foundation of animal breeding, shaped my research interest, and offered me the direction of my future career. Besides, I also met a lot of friends during this journey.

Thanks, EMABG!

Yu WangGraduated in 2015

Nima Rafati (Iran): Staff scientist at Science for Life lab, Uppsala University (currently living in Sweden)

I am now working as a staff scientist at Science for Life lab, Uppsala University, Sweden.

Nima Rafati’s Profile

I can hardly find any negative point, to be honest. The stress and pressure from new environment and difference educational system was a bit tough in the beginning. For few people it was probably a bit harder. Because I remember one of our classmates quit. But at the same time there was another applicant who discussed the problem with administrator at WUR and they provided another solution to help the student.

Many positive aspects:
– Learning about novel methods in ABG
– Learning on how to do research
– Very nice and friendly environment with teachers and EM-ABG organisers. You have been very supportive!!

Nima RafatiGraduated in 2011

Berihu Welderufael (Ethiopia): Assistant professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics at Mekelle University (currently living in Ethiopia)

Institution: Department of Animal, Rangeland and Wildlife Science at Mekelle University, Ethiopia
Position: Assistant professor of Animal Breeding and Genetics
Tasks: Teaching, research and community services at Mekelle University

Institution’s Profile

For most people in the world, it is not common to get an opportunity to travel and study in the best universities in Europe. For me it is only with the generous financial and institutional support of programs like the EMABG such opportunity was seized. The professors who led the program and who teach the courses were very amazing. You remain networked with these institutions and scientists in your career, it is a blessing.

Berihu WelderufaelGraduated in 2009

Felicien Shumbusho (Rwanda): Director of Animal Genetic Improvement (currently living in Rwanda)

Felicien Shumbusho is an Animal Genetics and Breeding scientist and Director of animal genetic Improvement at Rwanda Agriculture Board. He is trained in animal genetics and breeding (MSc and PhD) and has excellent skills in genomics data manipulations and analysis and designing and evaluating breeding programs. His current activities include revising and improving the Rwanda animal breeding programs; implementing research and extension projects that meet national priorities in animal breeding; coordinating the development and implementation of animal identification, registration and recording systems; ensure the training of staff and farmers in appropriate skills in livestock breeding management e.g. recording and records keeping, use of reproductive technologies, etc.

Tasks:

  • Coordinating of National Animal Genetic Improvement activities, including – planning, – bulls selection and maintenance, Semen production and processing, artificial insemination service delivery, monitoring, etc;
  • Supervising the capacity building of stakeholders in animal breeding;
  • Strengthening partnership with national, regional, and international institutions for promotion of access to improved animal genetics, and breeding tools;
  • Coordinating extension educational activities in the form of demonstration, technician and farmers training sessions;
  • Supervising the development and updating of a the National Animal Breeding policy;
  • Developing of National Livestock recording system in Rwanda;

Institution’s Profile

It was great to study in more than one University and all the Universities were great. I liked most the system in Austria to choose any course you want at any University. Also, the research work and opportunities at INRAE France were great.

I thank the team that developed this MSc programme and is continuing to offer great opportunities for training.

Felicien ShumbushoGraduated in 2010

Browse through the profiles of EMABG alumni who are currently researching and studying at various international universities and research institutions.
(When you click on tabs on the right side, the slider will move further to the right to show more profiles)

Issabelle Ampofo (Ghana): Graduate research assistant at the University of Connecticut (currently living in the USA)

My research entails implementing a genomic evaluation scheme for improving disease resistance to acute hepatopancreatic necrosis disease in Pacific white-leg shrimps.

 

My supervisors and colleagues were amazing. I learnt and improved a lot through the program which propelled me to go for a doctoral degree in the field.

Issabelle AmpofoGraduated in 2022

Abdulhadi Akande Kobiowu (Nigeria): Doctoral Researcher at Virginia Tech (USA)

I am currently a PhD student in the interdisciplinary Program of Genetics, Bioinformatics and Computational Biology (GBCB) as a Research Assistant.

Research Area(s): Functional Genomics, omics data analysis

The EMABG was an excellent game-changer for my career trajectory as it allowed me to live, actualise, and experience my dreams—all of which could have remained a mirage. In addition, I had the opportunity of meeting some wonderful folks who were very helpful as I navigated unfamiliar paths (academic, cultural, social and the like) in Europe. It would be great if the internship duration could be extended a bit more to allow better immersion of students into the industry.
Abdulhadi Akande KobiowuGraduated in 2022

Agnes Nyamiel (Uganda): PhD at INRAE, Toulouse (currently living in France)

I am working on the dynamics of body energy reserves in meat sheep (sheep genetics and physiology) at INRAE, Toulouse, France.
The phentoypes I am working on were collected under the iSAGE european project.

Lawal Agboola (Nigeria): Graduate Student at Texas A&M University (currently living in USA)

I am a graduate student in the Biology program at Texas A&M University, United States.
My current research focuses on understanding the mechanism of circadian rhythm and its relationship with animal migration and the role of circadian clocks in regulating animal physiology and behavior

The EMABG program has offered a highly positive experience, particularly through its commendable diversity. One of the program’s standout features is its expansive scope, providing students with opportunities to navigate various disciplines within the sciences. This diversity is instrumental in allowing students to explore and tailor their academic journey to align with their specific career goals. The flexibility inherent in EMABG, which permits students to have unrestricted access to courses across different scientific domains, has been a significant contributor to the success of the program.

Being able to choose courses from diverse fields not only enriches the learning experience but also empowers students to develop a well-rounded skill set. This approach aligns with the dynamic nature of contemporary scientific research, where interdisciplinary knowledge is increasingly valued. It has been particularly beneficial for me as a student, as it has allowed me to explore and integrate insights from various scientific disciplines, fostering a holistic understanding of complex issues.

Lawal AgboolaGraduated in 2022

Kahsa Tadel Gebre (Ethiopia): PostDoc at University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (currently living in Austria)

I am working on a project called “Capacity building in genomic data analysis and strengthening partnership between institutions from the South and North”. The project is funded by the Austrian Development Cooperation Research and is a partnership between the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU), Austria, Mekelle University, Ethiopia, and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). My work involves estimating the components of heterosis effect and breeding depression using genomic data. Currently, I am located at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (BOKU) in Austria. I will also be taking field trips to Ethiopia and Kenya.

The experience was great, particularly meeting people from diverse countries with unique histories and cultures. Going to various universities in different countries was an excellent experience. At the start of my studies, I found it challenging to adjust to the new environment and system. However, with the great support of the SLU university (Sweden) EM-ABG coordinators, I was able to cope. It is essential to consider the diverse backgrounds of the students and provide crucial support when needed.

Kahsa Tadel GebreGraduated in 2009

Md Rasheduzzaman (Bangladesh): PhD at Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (currently living in Germany)

I am Md Rasheduzzaman, from Bangladesh. I am currently working at Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute (FLI) Insel Riems (https://www.fli.de/de/) and affiliated with the University of Greifswald, Department of Biology. In my PhD project, I am doing mosquito metagenomics using Oxford Nanapore Technology (ONT) sequencing platform. EMABG’s modules related to Genomic Data Analyses helped me getting this position. I am really happy that I am one of the EMABGians.
EMABG was one of the bests, I would say, because of its nice and flexible coordinators. I don’t really see negatives when I retrospect now.
Md RasheduzzamanGraduated in 2022

Ramesha Nirmali Wishna Kadawarage (Sri Lanka): PhD student at Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology (currently living in Poland)

Im currently working in an Horizon Europe funded MSCA project called Monoguthealth (https://monoguthealth.eu) as the Early Stage Researcher 3. I’m based in Bydgoszcz University of Science and Technology, Poland and working on improving the gut health of broiler chickens via in-ovo applications.

I had a wonderful experience in EMABG program. As a student from the first batch, I can vouch that EMABG is a program that always put their students first. No matter what their circumstances are, they are very helpful in supporting and guiding the students to continue their studies without difficulties. They find solutions even to personal matters allowing successful completion of the studies by the students. Im so honored and very much grateful to be an EMABG student. Being in EMABG student enriched my CV, knowledge and skills so that I got selected for the PhD opportunity in one of the most competitive PhD programs (MSCA projects) even before I completed my Masters. Im forever grateful for everything.

Ramesha Nirmali Wishna KadawarageGraduated in 2021

Aqeel Ahmad (Pakistan): PhD candidate at Norwegian University of Life Sciences (currently living in Norway)

I am working on a PhD project “quantitative genetics of Feed Efficiency in Atlantic Salmon” at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences.
I believe EMABG is one of the best programs, enriched with life-changing cultural exposure, technical skillset and research collaboration. It would not be possible for me to experience and study in multiple countries. I am enjoying my PhD life at one of the EMABG partner institutes and I am really thankful to EMABG for everything.
Aqeel AhmadGraduated in 2022

Samrawit Gebeyehu (Ethiopia): PhD student at University of Minnesota (currently living in USA)

I am in the second year of my Ph.D. study at the University of Minnesota, USA. I am working on genetic improvement in dairy cattle.

The program was a fantastic foundation for my passion for studying genetics, and being an exchange student is an excellent opportunity to connect and get live experience and academic advancement. The information about my current Ph.D. position came from EMABG, which should continue to share such opportunities, including internship and job positions. Overall, I can’t thank enough EMABG for what I gained from the program.

Samrawit GebeyehuGraduated in 2021

Avon Augustin Nalpadan (India): PhD scholar at Forschungsinstitut für Nutztierbiologie (FBN) (currently living in Germany)

Project: Multilevel molecular analysis of the hepatoprotective effect of medicinal herbs extracts in prevention of liver dysfunction caused by aflatoxin B1 in pig as an animal model (in-vivo), and hepatocyte cell culture analysis in human and pig (in-vitro)

Charlotte Cuffe (Ireland): PhD student working in clinical veterinary genomics at the Royal Veterinary College (currently living in the United Kingdom)

I am a PhD student working in clinical veterinary genomics looking at epigenetic regulation of equine muscle to look at how these differences may play into susceptibility to exertional rhabdomyolysis in horses.

I really enjoyed the experience of getting to go to so many different countries and meet so many different people. I thought it was a great course with many brilliant lectures and supervisors involved in the programme. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience of doing the training weeks with boku, they absolutely added to the experience.

Charlotte CuffeGraduated in 2022

Yosef Abitew (Ethiopia): PhD researcher at Research Institute for Farm Animal Biology (FBN) (currently living in Germany)

Topic: Epigenetics and transcriptome in two high yielding hen strains

 

Farjina Jannat Juli (Bangladesh): PhD candidate at University of South-Eastern Norway (currently living in Norway)

PhD candidate at University of South-Eastern Norway

Research Topic: Cone Arrestin Genetics and Myopia (DC9)

Department: National Center for Optics, Vision and Eye Care

Christian Andres Ramos Uria (Bolivia): Internship at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (currently living in Panama)

Currently I am doing an internship at the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, studying insect behavior. I plan to start a PhD in evolutionary biology next year, though that’s not 100% confirmed.
While the academic part has been of great importance, I find this program special because it gave us the chance to interact with people from all over the world, with different cultures and from different contexts.
Christian Andres Ramos UriaGraduated in 2021

Hiba Qasir (Pakistan): Research assistant at Research Institute of Farm Animal Biology, Germany (currently living in Germany)

My project is focused on functional genomics for mineral utilization in laying hens.

Baber Ali (Pakistan): Doctoral Researcher at AgroParisTech-Université Paris Saclayworking at INRAE in Paris (currently living in France)

I am a doctoral researcher employed by AgroParisTech-University Paris Saclay and working at INRAE in Paris. I am developing genomic prediction models that can integrate multi-omics information to account for genotype by environment (GxE) interactions. I will use both the Bayesian and frequentists approach during my work.

Baber Ali’s Profile

The two years of EMABG are extraordinary chapters of my life. Living in Göttingen and Paris was a time full of memories and cultural experiences. Even though it was a special time with the COVID outbreak, it still turned out to be a career defining time where I learnt and practiced the latest research developments in the animal breeding sector.

Baber AliGraduated in 2021

Maud de Kinderen (Netherlands): PhD student at University of York (currently living in England)

Currently I am a PhD student at the University of York in England. The topic I am working on, is breeding for leafy vegetable traits of Amaranth, for smallholders in South Africa. I am happy to apply the skills in quantitative genetics, and knowledge of development studies, which I obtained during the EMABG. With this PhD, I hope to contribute to the improvement of local livelihoods and agriculture in South Africa and beyond.

Honestly my time at EMABG was great and I can’t really think of extremely negative things. The first year of MSc at Wageningen I made it myself a bit though with hard courses and not planning enough time for the MSc thesis. But I eventually had a great time in Vienna in my second EMABG year and still consider this city as my seccond home. The environment was more relaxed over there which gave me also more time to explore around, learn other things outside of academia (learned to speak German) and discover Austria as a country. I eventually published two articles with my second MSc thesis so this was very succesful.

Maud de KinderenGraduated in 2020

Tapiwanashe Magwaba (Zimbabwe): PhD researcher at Iowa State University (currently living in the USA)

I am doing my PhD at Iowa State University majoring in Quantitative Genetics and a minor in Statatistics.
I am currently performing variance components estimation for egg production and egg quality for chickens. The project is funded by USAID with four partner universities namely the University of California Davis (USA), Sokoine University of Agriculture (Tanzania), University of Ghana and Iowa State University (USA).

Amritha Irunal Veedu (India): PhD researcher at INRAE (currently living in France)

I am working on a sustainable sheep breeding programme.

 

Olumide Victor Onabanjo (Nigeria): Phd Researcher at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (currently living in Norway)

At present, I am working at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) on the project “Developing Simulation tools to manage genetic diversity”

Dipanwita Paul (Bangladesh): Doctoral student at Research institute for farm animal biology (currently living in Germany)

My current PhD research focuses on the endocrine regulation of calcium and phosphorus metabolism in pigs, specifically investigating the role of vitamin D and its metabolites in bone health. I aim to identify genetic loci associated with these factors using genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) techniques, and validate these associations through animal trials and molecular biological analyses. This work will contribute to a deeper understanding of the genetic determinants of bone health in pigs and its implications for breeding strategies and livestock production.

The scholarship program has been a valuable learning experience, allowing me to gain exposure to international culture and the cutting-edge technologies and studies in the field of genomics, genetics, and breeding. However, due to the program’s nature of placing students in various EU countries, it can be challenging to maintain financial stability in some nations, such as Sweden and Norway, with the scholarship funds provided.

Dipanwita PaulGraduated in 2022

Fuyong Li (China): Postdoctoral fellow at University of Alberta (currently living in Canada)

I am a postdoctoral fellow working on gut microbiology at the University of Alberta (Canada). My research interests are to study the host-microbiome interactions from both nutritional and genetic aspects, and to understand how these interactions contribute to host phenotypes.

Fuyong Li’s profile

I extremely enjoyed the time when I was studying in EMABG. These two years of study and living in BOKU and WUR are my precious memories. These experiences help me a lot in my future study and research. I love our EMABG program, without any negative feelings!!!

Fuyong LiGraduated in 2012

Tomasi Tusingwiire (Uganda): PhD researcher at PhD at INRAE France (currently living in France)

My subject is about developing new selection tools for improving the robustness and health of pigs.

Bingjie Li (China): Research fellow at Scotland’s Rural College (currently living in the UK)

Institution: Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh, UK
Employers: Mike Coffey, Eileen Wall
Position: Research fellow (tenure track position)
Tasks: Research on animal genetics, interacting with SRUC team for national dairy genomic evaluation research.

Positive points: summer course; opportunities in studying at two universities.

Negative points: moving can be tricky but generally okay to handle.

Bingjie LiGraduated in 2013

Shady Younis (Egypt): PostdocResearcher at Stanford University School of Medicine (currently living in USA)

Currently, I am a Researcher at Stanford University School of Medicine working on the genetic factors controlling the response of immune cells to various diseases.

Shady Younis’ Profile

EMABG was an amazing program and gave me great opportunities to learn and develop my skills in the fields of genetics, bioinformatics, and biostatistics. I highly recommend this course for motivated students.

Shady YounisGraduated in 2011

Brian Martin Babigumira (Uganda): Senior Research Officer (Animal Breeder) at National Livestock Resources Research Institute (NaLIRRI), National Agricultural Research Organisation (NARO) (currently living in Uganda)

Tasks:

  • Conducting animal breeding research in cattle, goats, poultry, pigs and rabbits.
  • Designing and maintaining appropriate animal breeding programmes for the various livestock in line with the National Breeding Act.
  • Developing appropriate livestock breeds to meet market demand for breeding stocks.
  • Collecting, characterizing conserving and appropriately utilising our indigenous animal genetic resources.
  • Identifying priority researchable areas in animal breeding and resources for the execution of the research activities
  • Formulate and design practical animal breeding programmes in partnership with farmer breeders’ associations.

I had an opportunity to study and work with research teams at top European universities and research institutes.

Brian Martin BabigumiraGraduated in 2010

Direbe Hunde Demissie (Ethiopia): Researcher at Ethiopian Institute of Agricultural Research (currently living in Ethiopia)

Dairy cattle genetic improvement

The EMABG arranged strong and well designed courses. There was good team spirit. Professors were friendly and had good attachment with the students. The EMABG trusts students.

Direbe Hunde DemissieGraduated in 2012

Bimal Chakkingal Bhaskaran (India): Doctoral Student at KU Leuven (currently living in Belgium)

PhD Research on the functional genomics of congenital diseases in pigs

Bimal Chakkingal Bhaskaran’s profile

I also have a position, back in India and currently am on study leave for pursuing my PhD studies.
I work as Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Breeding and Genetics, Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Kerala, India

In the EMABG, I developed strong inter personal relationships and improved my professional skills.

EMABG is a great platform for aspiring students who wants to work in the field of Animal Breeding and Genetics. Please continue taking measures to sustain this program and keep it up and running.

Bimal Chakkingal BhaskaranGraduated in 2009

Mohammed Negash Bedhane (Ethiopia): PhD at University of New England (currently living in Australia)

I am studying for my PhD in Australia at the University of New England.
I am working on genomic selection in beef cattle.

I would like to study my postdoc at EMABG.
The EMABG gave me a strong genetic background.

Mohammed Negash BedhaneGraduated in 2013

Atal Saha (Bangladesh): Postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Population Genomics at Stockholm University (currently living in Sweden)

I am a postdoctoral researcher in the Division of Population Genetics (Stockholm University) investigating genomic dynamics over space and time in salmonid (brown trout and Arctic char) metapopulations. My project is based on data from whole-genome sequencing (individual and pooled. My main research interest is to apply population genomic tools for the sustainable management and conservation of aquatic species.

This was an excellent opportunity to study ABG. Study was fun with the mobility concept. It was great to learn from outstanding teachers of the field. All the people involved with the programme were very cordial and cooperative.

Atal SahaGraduated in 2011

EMABG alumni are also working in fields not related to ABG. Browse through the profiles and find out what other possibilities there are.

Gabriela Reznik (Brazil): Software Engineer (currently living in Czech Republic)

I am working on a related topic: human genomics. I am a software engineer developing bioinformatics softwares to basically solve computational but biostatistic problems. I apply a lot of what I leraned in the masters daily.

I got offered a job in human medicine and figured that could be interesting. To be honest most of the jobs for animal breeding were in remote locations that were not attractive to me.

Gabriela ReznikGraduated in 2022

Ana Kolicheski (Brazil): Staff scientist at Pediatrics department of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri (currently living in USA)

After I graduated from EMABG, I moved to the United States to pursue my PhD in Veterinary Pathobiology. I met my PhD mentor during my EMABG second year in Sweden, during a dog and cat genome conference.
There I used the genetics knowledge from the EMABG program to analyse genomes of dogs with rare and common inherited diseases. I discovered over 10 disease causing variants during my PhD but only got to publish 6 of them. Soon after I finished my PhD, I got a post doctoral position at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville,FL and I analysed genomes of Early onset Parkinson’s disease patients.

I now work as a staff scientist at the Pediatrics department of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. I do bioinformatics analysis of genomic data for a pediatric rheumatology lab. While I am not exactly in the ABG field, the ABG courses provided me the base of the skillsets needed for my current position

All my memories from EMABG were positive, it was one of the best times of my life!
Getting to be in a multicultural environment, great quality universities, amazing professors and material. Great opportunity for networking and learn about not only Europe but so many other places in the world through my colleagues.

Ana Kolicheski Graduated in 2012

Tewdros Ghebremariam (Eritrea): Data Analyst at Maryland State Department of Education (currently living in USA)

I was working at the University of California, Davis from January 2013 to December, 2018 as an Assistant Specialist in the genetic management of endangered fish species and applied what I learned in the EMABG program. After working for six years, I decided to work as a Data Analyst and moved to a different domain.

Positive

Tewdros GhebremariamGraduated in 2011

Julia Calderon Diaz (El Salvador): Postdoctoral Researcher at Teagasc (currently living in Ireland)

Employer: Teagasc (Irish Authority for Agriculture and Food Research)
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Tasks: Involved in projects about biosecurity, respiratory diseases and bio-economic models for pig farms

It was an excellent experience, I learnt a lot and met wonderful people.

Julia Calderon DiazGraduated in 2009

Ignacio P. Garcia (Chile): Plant Director at a Salmon Production Company (currently living in Chile)

Institution: Nova Austral
Position: Plant Manager
Tasks: Safety, production and quality management

I couldn’t find anything in ABG in Chile, didn’t want to continue with my phD and I was offered a good position in some other field.

Ignacio P. GarciaGraduated in 2010

Habib Jan (Pakistan): Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Agency Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (currently living in Pakistan)

I did a PhD in Plant Breeding & Genomics from Germany (2016) under the EU Marie-Curie ITN programme ‘INTERCROSSING’.

I am a civil servant and working as a Deputy Director Environmental Protection Agency Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

After EM-ABG, I tried my best to find a PhD in Animal Breeding, but didn’t have a luck. However, I did a PhD in Plant Breeding in Germany under the prestigious Marie-Curie scholarship programme. I worked on genomic selection and GWAS.

Habib JanGraduated in 2011

Bahriye Karakas (Turkey): Assistant Prof. at Galen Research Center of Izmir Tınaztepe University (currently living in Turkey)

I am working on monoclonal antibody development and production used in cancer research.

Amit Das (India): Policy and regulatory institution for the government (currently living in India)

Working in a policy and regulatory institution in the field of agriculture & allied discipline including animal sciences for the government

Understanding the science from a wider perspective and in multicultural environment with state of the art support systems was the biggest take away.

Amit DasGraduated in 2009

Liesbeth Francois (Belgium): Neuroscience lead in the field of computational biology in R&D of a pharmaceutical company (currently living in Belgium)

After my PhD in the field of ABG I was looking for industry jobs as bioinformatician and rolled into the pharmaceutical sector.

It was an excellent master that was able to give me all the background and international connection that help me go for a PhD and have more impact for the sector.

Liesbeth FrancoisGraduated in 2013

Nina Zoric (Croatia): McKinsey consultant (currently living in Norway)

Position: McKinsey consultant because I wanted to try something else.

Positive

Thank you for the opportunity

Nina ZoricGraduated in 2015

Bojan Stojkovic (Serbia): Postdoctoral Researcher at University of Newcastle (currently living in Australia)

Employer: University of Newcastle
Position: Postdoctoral Researcher
Tasks: Studying the role of microbiome in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease

Positive: cultural experience, ability to travel, freedom in choosing subjects, opportunity to learn basic laboratory skills which I wasn’t able to do in my home country, great opportunity to do the final MSc project in the lab with great guidance and a lot of independence which helped me get my PhD position, learning communication skills on how to discuss science, present data etc, very generous scholarship.

Negative: Perhaps not fully integrated with regular students, also a basic French language course would have been good.

Overall I’m extremely satisfied with the whole program. It really enabled me to get out of the isolation back home and pursue career that would otherwise been much more difficult.

Bojan StojkovicGraduated in 2011

Gebremariam Worede (Ethiopia): Teller at Wells Fargo Bank (currently living in USA)

The quality of education I received and the friendships I built were positive. I also got to experience different cultures, countries and people.

Gebremariam WoredeGraduated in 2010

Amir Mohseni (Iran): Senior Financial Advisor for a bank (currently living in Canada)

Everything was positive, and changed my life for the better.

Amir MohseniGraduated in 2010

In addition, other EMABG alumni are working in the following positions:

  • PhD position with friedrich-loeffler-institut in Germany, working on the data analysis of backcrossing between domestic chicken breed and commercial lines
  • geneticist for Atlantic salmon breeding company (research activities in aquaculture breeding and genetics)
  • at family’s farm and working on the creation of their own company/lab
  • lecturer and researcher in the field of animal breeding at European and non-European universities
  • biostatistician at Ingenomix (providing genetic tests to Limousin cattle, providing genomic breeding values for various traits)
  • researcher in the Indonesian Medicine Division (doing research on medicinal plants and traditional medicines)
  • Environmental Epigenetic and Genetic Group, University of Kentucky/USA

We are continuously working on our EMABG alumni database.
Relevant information and updates will be posted here.

EMA – The Erasmus Mundus Association for students and alumni of Erasmus Mundus Master and Doctoral Programmes offers an international professional and personal network for EM students and graduates.

For more information, please visit: https://www.em-a.eu/

Last updated: 15.02.2024