Neogen : Table Talk by NEOGEN - NEOGEN Canada and Canadian Limousin Association

Please join Michelle Miller, Yee Ying Lock and Nicki Westersund from NEOGEN Canada as they help you understand both the process and the value of doing DNA testing.

Speakers: Michelle Miller - General Manager at NEOGEN

Michelle completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular Genetics from the University of Alberta. An experience that included study abroad experiences in the United Kingdom, Brazil, and an internship focused on canola research at the Alberta Research Council. Michelle then went to McGill University and completed her Master of Science degree in Human Genetics before moving to the U.S. to work on lung disease at the University of Vermont. Upon her return home to Edmonton, Michelle soon began working for a start-up company embedded in the University of Alberta called Delta Genomics. She worked in the laboratory and was primarily responsible for the genome sequencing of over 300 beef bulls that significantly contributed their genetics to breeding today. When Delta Genomics spun out of the University of Alberta to become a private laboratory in 2014, Michelle was promoted to Director of Operations and was responsible for overseeing all laboratory processes and to ensure that everything was running smoothly, on time, and within budget. During this time, Michelle completed her Masters of Business Administration part-time. In 2016, Michelle stepped into the role of CEO at Delta Genomics. She held this position for two and a half years, during which Michelle doubled the annual growth rate of samples processed and saw the company accomplish many financial records. These successes garnered the attention of NEOGEN®. On January 1, 2019, Delta Genomics sold its genetic testing business and assets to NEOGEN Canada, highlighting the commitment and investment in Canadian genomics by NEOGEN.

Nicki Westersund - Territory Manager at NEOGEN

Nicki was raised on a commercial beef farm just outside of Blackie, AB. She spent eight years involved in the Alberta 4-H Program with beef steer, replacement heifer, and horse projects. Nicki attended the University of Lethbridge, where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Agriculture Economics. Throughout university, Nicki held summer positions at Farm Credit Canada, Western Feedlots, and BASF. After graduation, Nicki accepted a position with DuPont, where she was the Account Manager and Grower Specialist managing over 80 strategic accounts within southern Alberta for pesticide products. Nicki now occupies the role of Western Canada Territory Manager for NEOGEN® Canada, managing beef genomics. Nicki enjoys helping with operations on the farm, mountain biking, hiking, and training her working cow horse to get back into the show pen. It is an exciting time to be involved in genomics with evolving technology and a diverse product portfolio. Nicki is looking forward to helping producers manage their genetics and be part of the Canadian beef industry.

YeeYing Lock - Operations Manager at NEOGEN

Yee Ying is currently serving as the Operations Manager of NEOGEN® Canada. She leads a diverse team of scientists who provide sequencing, genotyping, and biobanking services to the livestock industry. She is responsible for all the operational aspects of the lab and manages customer relations with breeders, breed associations, and researchers. Before the NEOGEN acquisition, Yee Ying served as the Director of Operations of Delta Genomics and was one of its founding members. Yee Ying has conducted genomics research and application for over a decade and has extensive experience in the agriculture industry. Her academic background includes a Master of Science in Plant Biology and a Bachelor of Science in Cell Biotechnology at the University of Alberta.

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