My current role is Breeding Technology Lead at Sugar Research Australia (SRA), based in Meringa near Cairns. I lead the implementation of advanced breeding technologies for the SRA plant breeding program.
My research focuses on improving sugarcane breeding by integrating genomics and high throughput phenomics technologies. This work seeks to enhance the predictive power of genomic selection by incorporating extensive phenomics data collected via drone-based imaging and big data analytics. Through the combined application of these predictive technologies, we aim to accelerate genetic improvement of sugarcane varieties with higher yield and improved sugar content.
This research has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of sugarcane breeding. A more precise and accelerated breeding strategy will enhance productivity and profitability for the sugar industry and serve as a model for multi-omics breeding approaches in other crops.
Witnessing the successful integration of drone-based variety assessments in the SRA breeding program has been a rewarding aspect of my research. Seeing how these technologies improve breeding efficiency and selection precision, and how further integration of predictive technologies and automation can improve workplace conditions by minimising fieldwork, has been particularly exciting.
In my spare time, I love exploring new places with my family and enjoy watching sports, especially motorsports.
