About CBL

Research Team

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cbl-gurcharn-brar

Gurcharn Brar Principal Investigator

I grew up in Punjab, India’s “breadbasket,” where I completed a B.Sc. in agriculture (honours in crop protection) at Punjab Agricultural University. In 2012, I moved to Canada’s breadbasket, Saskatchewan, and completed my M.Sc. and PhD in wheat genetics and breeding at the University of Saskatchewan. In January 2020, I joined the University of British Columbia as an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Land and Food Systems. In January 2024, I took up a new position as Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Nutritional Science at the University of Alberta.

Contact Gurcharn

Mehrdad Abbasi Research Technician

As a dedicated mycologist and plant pathologist, I bring a diverse educational background and extensive research experience to my work. I began with an associate degree in Agricultural Science, followed by a Bachelor's in Plant Protection Engineering, and pursued further studies with a Master's and PhD in Plant Pathology, specializing in Mycology with a focus on the taxonomy of rust fungi. In September 2021, I joined Dr. Brar’s lab, where I have been involved in various patho-breeding projects, making significant contributions to the study of plant-pathogen interactions. My primary responsibility involves managing indoor research facilities.

As a dedicated mycologist and plant pathologist, I bring a diverse educational background and extensive research experience to my work. I began with an associate degree in Agricultural Science, followed by a Bachelor’s in Plant Protection Engineering, and pursued further studies with a Master’s and PhD in Plant Pathology, specializing in Mycology with a focus on the taxonomy of rust fungi. In September 2021, I joined Dr. Brar’s lab, where I have been involved in various patho-breeding projects, making significant contributions to the study of plant-pathogen interactions. My primary responsibility involves managing indoor research facilities.

Ana Laura Achilli Postdoctoral Research Fellow

My research interests focus on crop breeding using genetic and genomic approaches, with a special interest in wheat and barley. Specifically, I am interested in elucidating key genomic regions associated with adaptive and agronomically relevant traits to facilitate genomics-based breeding. I have a degree and a PhD in Agricultural Science from the Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina. My PhD thesis focused on the genetic basis of agronomic traits in durum wheat. In my PhD, I studied the genetic diversity, population structure and genetic gains in grain yield and yield-related traits of Argentinian durum wheat cultivars released in the last 80 years. Also, I employed an association mapping approach to elucidate genomic regions underlying yield-related traits. In 2023, I finished my PhD and joined CBL as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia. Currently, at CBL, I explore the genetic variation of cereal accessions (wheat and barley) from gene banks (landraces and wild progenitors) with the aim of bringing back useful alleles lost during domestication and modern breeding, especially for disease resistance and end-use quality traits.

My research interests focus on crop breeding using genetic and genomic approaches, with a special interest in wheat and barley. Specifically, I am interested in elucidating key genomic regions associated with adaptive and agronomically relevant traits to facilitate genomics-based breeding.

I have a degree and a PhD in Agricultural Science from the Universidad Nacional del Sur, Argentina. My PhD thesis focused on the genetic basis of agronomic traits in durum wheat. In my PhD, I studied the genetic diversity, population structure and genetic gains in grain yield and yield-related traits of Argentinian durum wheat cultivars released in the last 80 years. Also, I employed an association mapping approach to elucidate genomic regions underlying yield-related traits.

In 2023, I finished my PhD and joined CBL as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of British Columbia. Currently, at CBL, I explore the genetic variation of cereal accessions (wheat and barley) from gene banks (landraces and wild progenitors) with the aim of bringing back useful alleles lost during domestication and modern breeding, especially for disease resistance and end-use quality traits.

Wayne Brooks Research Assistant

I was born in Lacombe in central Alberta and have a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Alberta and an MA in International Relations (Distinction) from the University of Leicester. I have worked in agriculture research with both provincial and federal governments and the private sector before spending most of my career living and working overseas. I have held such positions as agriculture advisor, country program manager, and project manager in different countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. I am married with three children. Having returned to Canada about three years ago, this is my first summer with the cereals group and I am excited to once again be working in agriculture in my home province.

I was born in Lacombe in central Alberta and have a BSc in Agriculture from the University of Alberta and an MA in International Relations (Distinction) from the University of Leicester.

I have worked in agriculture research with both provincial and federal governments and the private sector before spending most of my career living and working overseas. I have held such positions as agriculture advisor, country program manager, and project manager in different countries in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. I am married with three children. Having returned to Canada about three years ago, this is my first summer with the cereals group and I am excited to once again be working in agriculture in my home province.

Tiesen Cao Research Technician

I joined the wheat breeding research group in September 2021 and have been working as a seasonal employee since then. My role within the group is pretty versatile, including head picking and threshing, seed preparation and quality test, seeding and planting, leaf sampling, DNA preparation, sporulation of fungal culture, bunt head collection, irrigation system setup in disease nurseries, weed control, field inoculation with fungal materials, disease rating, rogueing, lodging index recording, plot height measurement, tiller counting, harvesting, seed cleaning, seed packaging and shipping, etc. I received a doctorate degree in plant biology from the University of California at Davis in the United States of America, a master’s degree in agronomy from the Northwest A & F University at Yangling and a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from the Agricultural University of Hebei at Baoding in the People’s Republic of China. I had about twenty years of experience working in plant pathology in North America including five years at U of A as a postdoctoral fellow and five years at UC Davis as a doctoral student. Some of my other hands-on experience includes using molecular techniques of genomics and proteomics such as PCR, DNA sequencing, 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis etc. to identify and quantify plant pathogens and study gene expressions in a setting of susceptible host-parasite interactions. I authored and co-authored 32 manuscripts which were peer-reviewed and published in 11 international journals. The wheat breeding research group provides me with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a combination of field and indoor teamwork activities.

I joined the wheat breeding research group in September 2021 and have been working as a seasonal employee since then. My role within the group is pretty versatile, including head picking and threshing, seed preparation and quality test, seeding and planting, leaf sampling, DNA preparation, sporulation of fungal culture, bunt head collection, irrigation system setup in disease nurseries, weed control, field inoculation with fungal materials, disease rating, rogueing, lodging index recording, plot height measurement, tiller counting, harvesting, seed cleaning, seed packaging and shipping, etc.

I received a doctorate degree in plant biology from the University of California at Davis in the United States of America, a master’s degree in agronomy from the Northwest A & F University at Yangling and a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from the Agricultural University of Hebei at Baoding in the People’s Republic of China. I had about twenty years of experience working in plant pathology in North America including five years at U of A as a postdoctoral fellow and five years at UC Davis as a doctoral student. Some of my other hands-on experience includes using molecular techniques of genomics and proteomics such as PCR, DNA sequencing, 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis etc. to identify and quantify plant pathogens and study gene expressions in a setting of susceptible host-parasite interactions. I authored and co-authored 32 manuscripts which were peer-reviewed and published in 11 international journals. The wheat breeding research group provides me with the perfect opportunity to enjoy a combination of field and indoor teamwork activities.

Prabhjot Chahal Summer Research Assistant

Hi there! I'm a passionate student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. My journey into this field began with a fascination for understanding the intricate dynamics of medicine. With a keen interest in exploring the intersection of theory and practical application, I sought out opportunities to immerse myself in real-world experiences. This led me to embark on a summer research opportunity focused on cereal research, which can inform advancements in medicine through its exploration of nutritional components and their effects on overall well-being and disease prevention. Delving into the world of cereals, I was captivated by the pivotal role they play in nutrition, global agriculture, and sustainability. Through this enriching experience, I hope to hone a myriad of skills, including data analysis, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking. Moreover, I seek to develop a profound appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration, as tackling complex issues in cereal research often necessitates expertise from various fields. As I continue my academic journey towards medical school, I am excited to leverage these skills and insights to make meaningful contributions in the realm of medicine and beyond. Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of cellular biology or addressing pressing environmental challenges, I am driven by a relentless curiosity and a desire to create positive change.

Hi there! I’m a passionate student currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. My journey into this field began with a fascination for understanding the intricate dynamics of medicine.

With a keen interest in exploring the intersection of theory and practical application, I sought out opportunities to immerse myself in real-world experiences. This led me to embark on a summer research opportunity focused on cereal research, which can inform advancements in medicine through its exploration of nutritional components and their effects on overall well-being and disease prevention. Delving into the world of cereals, I was captivated by the pivotal role they play in nutrition, global agriculture, and sustainability.

Through this enriching experience, I hope to hone a myriad of skills, including data analysis, laboratory techniques, and critical thinking. Moreover, I seek to develop a profound appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration, as tackling complex issues in cereal research often necessitates expertise from various fields.

As I continue my academic journey towards medical school, I am excited to leverage these skills and insights to make meaningful contributions in the realm of medicine and beyond. Whether it’s unraveling the mysteries of cellular biology or addressing pressing environmental challenges, I am driven by a relentless curiosity and a desire to create positive change.

Izabela Ciechanowska Research Associate: End-Use Quality and Disease Testing Lead

I was raised in Edmonton where I completed a BSc. in Molecular Genetics at the University of Alberta. This degree led me to work in various research labs where I worked in greenhouses and at the lab bench. I applied to the cereals breeding program in 2011 when someone told me they were looking for a geneticist. At this job, I get to apply my genetics education in the lab and in the field, and I also learn about various crops, weeds, soils, and farming practices. In addition, I have met many amazing people who work in the industry who always have something new to teach me, whether it be researcher or farmer. A few years into my job, I pursued my MSc. in Agriculture majoring in Plant Science. This gave me the opportunity to teach and work with students. Currently, my work focuses on plant pathology and wheat grain quality.

I was raised in Edmonton where I completed a BSc. in Molecular Genetics at the University of Alberta. This degree led me to work in various research labs where I worked in greenhouses and at the lab bench.

I applied to the cereals breeding program in 2011 when someone told me they were looking for a geneticist. At this job, I get to apply my genetics education in the lab and in the field, and I also learn about various crops, weeds, soils, and farming practices. In addition, I have met many amazing people who work in the industry who always have something new to teach me, whether it be researcher or farmer. A few years into my job, I pursued my MSc. in Agriculture majoring in Plant Science. This gave me the opportunity to teach and work with students. Currently, my work focuses on plant pathology and wheat grain quality.

Tracy Gartner Program Manager

I was raised in rural Alberta with a strong love of nature. I hold a diploma in Business Administration from Lakeland College and a BSc in Environmental Biology from the UofA. I have worked at the UofA in various administrative capacities for 20 years and have been with the wheat breeding group at the UofA for 15 of those years. In this capacity, I am responsible for grant administration, HR activities, and general administrative support.

I was raised in rural Alberta with a strong love of nature. I hold a diploma in Business Administration from Lakeland College and a BSc in Environmental Biology from the UofA.

I have worked at the UofA in various administrative capacities for 20 years and have been with the wheat breeding group at the UofA for 15 of those years. In this capacity, I am responsible for grant administration, HR activities, and general administrative support.

Jujhar Gill Summer Research Assistant

Hey there! I'm currently a fourth-year honours student studying Applied Biology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This summer, I'm delving deep into the captivating realm of research in my position as a summer research intern in the University of Alberta's Cereal Breeding Lab. My journey with cereals began at UBC at the beginning of 2023, where I first exposed myself to the rich world of wheat research. Since then, I’ve been eagerly immersing myself in all things cereal-related, soaking up knowledge and experience in the process. My time in the lab has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing me to develop a thorough understanding of wheat research and its applications. I’m very passionate of creating a meaningful change to my community in any ways possible. It’s this passion that drives my future aspirations—I plan to pursue a career in medicine, leveraging the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired during my undergraduate studies and research experiences.

Hey there! I’m currently a fourth-year honours student studying Applied Biology at the University of British Columbia (UBC). This summer, I’m delving deep into the captivating realm of research in my position as a summer research intern in the University of Alberta’s Cereal Breeding Lab.

My journey with cereals began at UBC at the beginning of 2023, where I first exposed myself to the rich world of wheat research. Since then, I’ve been eagerly immersing myself in all things cereal-related, soaking up knowledge and experience in the process.

My time in the lab has provided me with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing me to develop a thorough understanding of wheat research and its applications. I’m very passionate of creating a meaningful change to my community in any ways possible. It’s this passion that drives my future aspirations—I plan to pursue a career in medicine, leveraging the skills and knowledge I’ve acquired during my undergraduate studies and research experiences.

Samuel Holden Post-Doctoral Fellow: Genomics and Bioinformatics Lead

Sam Holden completed his PhD with Matthew Moscou at The Sainsbury Laboratory UK, where he studied resistance to non-adapted stripe rusts in barley, as well as investigating the origin and evolution of the Exo70FX family of exocytosis genes in the Poaceae (grasses). He is now a bioinformatician in the CBL group, where he works on plant and pathogen genome assembly, genetics, transcriptomics, and helps to support the rest of the group with training in these areas. Currently he is investigating the role of somatic hybridisation in the origin of North American stripe rust lineages, and the links between genome organisation and gene expression in wild wheat relatives.

Sam Holden completed his PhD with Matthew Moscou at The Sainsbury Laboratory UK, where he studied resistance to non-adapted stripe rusts in barley, as well as investigating the origin and evolution of the Exo70FX family of exocytosis genes in the Poaceae (grasses). He is now a bioinformatician in the CBL group, where he works on plant and pathogen genome assembly, genetics, transcriptomics, and helps to support the rest of the group with training in these areas. Currently he is investigating the role of somatic hybridisation in the origin of North American stripe rust lineages, and the links between genome organisation and gene expression in wild wheat relatives.

John Hubensky MSc Student

I'm proud to have completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in the crop science program. I worked on the prairies as a precision agronomist for several years, before moving to BC where I worked as an agronomist in the Okanagan Valley and worked on my current MSc project on spike development of the wild wheat Aegilops tauschii at UBC. Now, I am happily returning to my home city of Edmonton to complete my project!

I’m proud to have completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Alberta in the crop science program. I worked on the prairies as a precision agronomist for several years, before moving to BC where I worked as an agronomist in the Okanagan Valley and worked on my current MSc project on spike development of the wild wheat Aegilops tauschii at UBC. Now, I am happily returning to my home city of Edmonton to complete my project!

Mikayla Huculak Research Assistant

I graduated from U of A in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Women's & Gender Studies and double minoring in Native Studies and Anthropology. I am now loving my work as a wheat breeding assistant! I started here during last year’s harvest, learned esmasculation and pollination over the winter, and am looking forward to seeding.

I graduated from U of A in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Women’s & Gender Studies and double minoring in Native Studies and Anthropology.

I am now loving my work as a wheat breeding assistant! I started here during last year’s harvest, learned esmasculation and pollination over the winter, and am looking forward to seeding.

Muhammad Iqbal Research Associate: Assistant Wheat Breeder

I hold a M.Sc. degree in Agriculture, from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, and a PhD degree in Plant Science from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, obtained in 2006. I commenced my career as a Wheat Breeder/Researcher at the National Agricultural Research Centre,Islamabad, Pakistan in 2001. My primary role, at the Cereal Breeding Lab of the University of Alberta, is to assist in the development of spring wheat varieties endowed with increased grain yield, superior end-use quality attributes, and enhanced genetic resilience against diseases and environmental stresses. Over the past decade, my research has centered on understanding the genetic bases and improving agronomic, disease resistance(common bunt, Fusarium head blight, leaf, stem, and stripe rusts), as well as refining end-use quality traits in western Canadian wheat. My research interests revolve around pinpointing genomic regions governing early maturity, grain yield, disease resistance, and end-use quality traits in bread wheat. Furthermore, I am keen on gene/QTL pyramiding to develop improved wheat germplasm.

I hold a M.Sc. degree in Agriculture, from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, and a PhD degree in Plant Science from the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada, obtained in 2006. I commenced my career as a Wheat Breeder/Researcher at the National Agricultural Research Centre,Islamabad, Pakistan in 2001.

My primary role, at the Cereal Breeding Lab of the University of Alberta, is to assist in the development of spring wheat varieties endowed with increased grain yield, superior end-use quality attributes, and enhanced genetic resilience against diseases and environmental stresses. Over the past decade, my research has centered on understanding the genetic bases and improving agronomic, disease resistance(common bunt, Fusarium head blight, leaf, stem, and stripe rusts), as well as refining end-use quality traits in western Canadian wheat.

My research interests revolve around pinpointing genomic regions governing early maturity, grain yield, disease resistance, and end-use quality traits in bread wheat. Furthermore, I am keen on gene/QTL pyramiding to develop improved wheat germplasm.

Victor Bustos Jaimes Research Assistant

I have a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Sciences from Mexico and a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Environmental Studies from the University of Southampton, UK. I started working with the wonderful people in the cereals breeding group in fall 2022, and to be honest, I still feel blessed for it since all the odds were against it. The fact that you always work in different activities, and you learn something new, not to mention the people around, motivates me to keep going in the same direction. I believe there are a handful of activities we could live without, but certainly agriculture and all we get from it, is not on the list.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Sciences from Mexico and a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrated Environmental Studies from the University of Southampton, UK.

I started working with the wonderful people in the cereals breeding group in fall 2022, and to be honest, I still feel blessed for it since all the odds were against it. The fact that you always work in different activities, and you learn something new, not to mention the people around, motivates me to keep going in the same direction. I believe there are a handful of activities we could live without, but certainly agriculture and all we get from it, is not on the list.

Ramandeep Kaur Research Assistant

I am a mathematician by training and have earned an MSc in Pure Mathematics from Panjab University, India. I have also worked as a school teacher in the recent past before moving to Canada. I started working with the wonderful people in the cereals breeding group in fall 2022, and to be honest, I still feel blessed for it since all the odds were against it. The fact that you always work in different activities, and you learn something new, not to mention the people around, motivates me to keep going in the same direction. I believe there are a handful of activities we could live without, but certainly agriculture and all we get from it, is not on the list.

I am a mathematician by training and have earned an MSc in Pure Mathematics from Panjab University, India. I have also worked as a school teacher in the recent past before moving to Canada.

I started working with the wonderful people in the cereals breeding group in fall 2022, and to be honest, I still feel blessed for it since all the odds were against it. The fact that you always work in different activities, and you learn something new, not to mention the people around, motivates me to keep going in the same direction. I believe there are a handful of activities we could live without, but certainly agriculture and all we get from it, is not on the list.

Simranjeet Kaur MSc Student

I am a graduate student in CBL at the University of Alberta, collaborating with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre. I began my academic journey at Punjab Agricultural University, India where I earned the University Merit Scholarship for three consecutive years. My research focuses on genetics of stripe rust resistance in spring wheat. Through innovative techniques, I hope to contribute valuable insights into cereal breeding. Beyond academia, I aspire to contribute to global food security by combining scientific rigor with dedication.

I am a graduate student in CBL at the University of Alberta, collaborating with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre. I began my academic journey at Punjab Agricultural University, India where I earned the University Merit Scholarship for three consecutive years. My research focuses on genetics of stripe rust resistance in spring wheat. Through innovative techniques, I hope to contribute valuable insights into cereal breeding. Beyond academia, I aspire to contribute to global food security by combining scientific rigor with dedication.

Thomas Keady Research Technician

I joined the Cereal Breeding Lab after moving from Ireland in 2015. My daily tasks vary as the year progresses, from trial setup to sowing to harvest to resulting qualitative and quantitative analysis. Several university modules on horticulture, lab focused projects and on the job training provided me with the skills necessary to play a role in the success of the group.

I joined the Cereal Breeding Lab after moving from Ireland in 2015. My daily tasks vary as the year progresses, from trial setup to sowing to harvest to resulting qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Several university modules on horticulture, lab focused projects and on the job training provided me with the skills necessary to play a role in the success of the group.

Naveen Kumar Postdoctoral Fellow

Having been raised on a farm as a farmer's kid, early in my childhood I have developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the importance of resilient crops. Everything started to come together during my high school when I began the genetics unit in my biology class. Here I was instantly allured by the idea of genes and how they could hold such a great bearing on crops. Eventually, I discovered the story of Norman Borlaug and how he used genetics and plant breeding to save millions during green revolution. To pursue my passion in agriculture, I did my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in agriculture (crop breeding) at Punjab Agricultural University. I earned my Ph.D. in crop physiology from Virginia Tech, USA, where I focused on breeding peanut for drought tolerance. I was drawn to cereal research because of its critical importance in global foodsecurity and my passion for sustainable agriculture. As a Postdoctoral Fellow at cereal breeding lab, I am dedicated to identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and pre-breeding of wheat for multiple disease-resistant traits. I have been working with this dynamic research group for one year, and I am excited to contribute further for developing disease resistant Canadian wheat cultivars

Having been raised on a farm as a farmer’s kid, early in my childhood I have developed a deep appreciation for agriculture and the importance of resilient crops. Everything started to come together during my high school when I began the genetics unit in my biology class. Here I was instantly allured by the idea of genes and how they could hold such a great bearing on crops.

Eventually, I discovered the story of Norman Borlaug and how he used genetics and plant breeding to save millions during green revolution. To pursue my passion in agriculture, I did my B.Sc. and M.Sc. in agriculture (crop breeding) at Punjab Agricultural University. I earned my Ph.D. in crop physiology from Virginia Tech, USA, where I focused on breeding peanut for drought tolerance. I was drawn to cereal research because of its critical importance in global foodsecurity and my passion for sustainable agriculture.

As a Postdoctoral Fellow at cereal breeding lab, I am dedicated to identifying novel sources of resistance to priority diseases and pre-breeding of wheat for multiple disease-resistant traits. I have been working with this dynamic research group for one year, and I am excited to contribute further for developing disease resistant Canadian wheat cultivars

Meng Li Postdoctoral Fellow

I graduated from Peking University, School of Life Sciences as a Bachelor of Biology, and earned my MSc and PhD in Botany, University of British Columbia. Over the last decade, my research areas focus on plant immunity and crop disease management including molecular and cellular biology, host-pathogen genetics and biochemistry. Currently, at CBL,I continue working on genomic analysis and marker-assisted breeding of Canadian wheat cultivars.

I graduated from Peking University, School of Life Sciences as a Bachelor of Biology, and earned my MSc and PhD in Botany, University of British Columbia. Over the last decade, my research areas focus on plant immunity and crop disease management including molecular and cellular biology, host-pathogen genetics and biochemistry. Currently, at CBL,I continue working on genomic analysis and marker-assisted breeding of Canadian wheat cultivars.

Joseph Moss Research Technician

I was brought up on Pick Your Own (PYO) farm in southwestern Ontario. We grew 20-25 acres of strawberries, 5 acres of raspberries, we also grew tomatoes, cantaloupe, rhubarb, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and other crops. This experience led me to the University of Guelph where I completed an Associate Diploma of Agriculture majoring in Horticulture. I continued at the university and completed a BSc. (Agr) majoring in business. While doing my degree, I also got a job with Rhone Poulenc which gave me a great experience in agricultural small plot research. Currently, I am permanent employee at the University of Alberta as a research technician since 2013. I work well as a team player and I am involved in outdoor work such as preparing for seeding, maintaining field plots, and harvesting, drying and organizing seed. I am comfortable driving large machinery (tractors and combines) with my background in farming.

I was brought up on Pick Your Own (PYO) farm in southwestern Ontario. We grew 20-25 acres of strawberries, 5 acres of raspberries, we also grew tomatoes, cantaloupe, rhubarb, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower and other crops.

This experience led me to the University of Guelph where I completed an Associate Diploma of Agriculture majoring in Horticulture. I continued at the university and completed a BSc. (Agr) majoring in business. While doing my degree, I also got a job with Rhone Poulenc which gave me a great experience in agricultural small plot research.

Currently, I am permanent employee at the University of Alberta as a research technician since 2013. I work well as a team player and I am involved in outdoor work such as preparing for seeding, maintaining field plots, and harvesting, drying and organizing seed. I am comfortable driving large machinery (tractors and combines) with my background in farming.

Neshat Pazooki Research Assistant

I hold a BSc degree in Agricultural Engineering from Iran, with a focus on Plant Protection. My journey into cereal research began when I pursued my MSc degree at the University of Alberta (U of A) in 2014, under the guidance of Prof. Dean Spaner. My MSc thesis, titled “Evaluation and Comparison of the Agronomic Traits of 100 Wheat Cultivars Grown in Western Canada,” allowed me to delve deep into studying various wheat varieties. After a few years dedicated to raising my daughters, I returned to the research group in February 2023. I currently serve as a Research Assistant, continuing my work on wheat breeding. My passion for cereal research remains as strong as ever, and I am excited about the contributions we are making in this field.

I hold a BSc degree in Agricultural Engineering from Iran, with a focus on Plant Protection. My journey into cereal research began when I pursued my MSc degree at the University of Alberta (U of A) in 2014, under the guidance of Prof. Dean Spaner.

My MSc thesis, titled “Evaluation and Comparison of the Agronomic Traits of 100 Wheat Cultivars Grown in Western Canada,” allowed me to delve deep into studying various wheat varieties.

After a few years dedicated to raising my daughters, I returned to the research group in February 2023. I currently serve as a Research Assistant, continuing my work on wheat breeding. My passion for cereal research remains as strong as ever, and I am excited about the contributions we are making in this field.

Klaus Strenzke Research Associate: Field Operations Lead

I grew up on a dairy farm in southern Ontario. With an Ag degree from Guelph in hand, i worked in Quebec and then in Thailand in plant agriculture. There i met my lovely and talented spouse who introduced me to Edmonton. When a chance encounter put me in front of a like-minded individual - the wheat breeder at the UofA at the time - a relationship with wheat was rekindled and has lasted 20 years. Wheat feeds more people around the world than any other staple food; working to improve wheat for the public good in collaboration with other universities and government agencies both domestic and foreign, for the direct benefit of farmers and consumers, has been very gratifying. Carrying out our work on the most gorgeous soils in the world, and being based out of our “farm” in the middle of Edmonton - win. Add to that the good fortune over the years to have worked with some of the most colourful personalities, kindest of people and dedicated workmates that anyone could wish for - how lucky can one get?

I grew up on a dairy farm in southern Ontario. With an Ag degree from Guelph in hand, i worked in Quebec and then in Thailand in plant agriculture. There i met my lovely and talented spouse who introduced me to Edmonton.

When a chance encounter put me in front of a like-minded individual – the wheat breeder at the UofA at the time – a relationship with wheat was rekindled and has lasted 20 years. Wheat feeds more people around the world than any other staple food; working to improve wheat for the public good in collaboration with other universities and government agencies both domestic and foreign, for the direct benefit of farmers and consumers, has been very gratifying.

Carrying out our work on the most gorgeous soils in the world, and being based out of our “farm” in the middle of Edmonton – win. Add to that the good fortune over the years to have worked with some of the most colourful personalities, kindest of people and dedicated workmates that anyone could wish for – how lucky can one get?

Jacey Toerper PhD Student

I am currently in my third year of a PhD. My research focuses on wheat agronomy in the Canadian Prairies. Currently, I am working with ultra-early seeding of CWRS wheat and varietal mixtures of CWRS and CPSR wheat. Growing up, I was always interested in agriculture, but I didn't know much about it, despite growing up surrounded by agriculture in northern Alberta. After graduating high school I was lucky enough to find a summer job opportunity with Agriculture and Agri Food Canada at the Beaverlodge Research Farm. Throughout my undergraduate degree I returned to the Beaverlodge Research Farm every summer. I became very passionate about agricultural research and knew that's what I was meant to do in life. In 2021 I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and I began my Master's of Science. In 2022 I transferred from the MSc program to the PhD program to expand my studies. Throughout my PhD studies I have been based at the Beaverlodge Research Farm where I have been able to collaborate with scientists and technicians; this has been a really great opportunity to learn about the many components of agricultural research. Outside of my studies I enjoy spending time outdoors in my garden; one of my current projects is increasing the biodiversity by adding wildflowers to my garden beds and lawn.

I am currently in my third year of a PhD. My research focuses on wheat agronomy in the Canadian Prairies. Currently, I am working with ultra-early seeding of CWRS wheat and varietal mixtures of CWRS and CPSR wheat.

Growing up, I was always interested in agriculture, but I didn’t know much about it, despite growing up surrounded by agriculture in northern Alberta. After graduating high school I was lucky enough to find a summer job opportunity with Agriculture and Agri Food Canada at the Beaverlodge Research Farm. Throughout my undergraduate degree I returned to the Beaverlodge Research Farm every summer. I became very passionate about agricultural research and knew that’s what I was meant to do in life.

In 2021 I graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and I began my Master’s of Science. In 2022 I transferred from the MSc program to the PhD program to expand my studies. Throughout my PhD studies I have been based at the Beaverlodge Research Farm where I have been able to collaborate with scientists and technicians; this has been a really great opportunity to learn about the many components of agricultural research. Outside of my studies I enjoy spending time outdoors in my garden; one of my current projects is increasing the biodiversity by adding wildflowers to my garden beds and lawn.

Bharat Yadav Research Technician: Marker-Assisted Selection; Wet Lab Lead

I am graduate in Plant Sciences from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where I was under the mentorship of Dr. Gurcharn Brar. Prior to my time in Canada, I was actively engaged in plant genomics research at esteemed institutions such as the National Institute of Plant Genome Research in New Delhi and Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana. Subsequently, I contributed to the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium project at Punjab Agricultural University before pursuing graduate studies in functional pathogenomics at UBC. My research focuses was on functional pathogenomics of oat crown rust. While equipped with expertise in Bioinformatics, my tenure at UBC broadened my knowledge in rust pathosystems. (Oat and Wheat), molecular biology techniques, and fieldwork. Dr. Brar himself trained me in identification of various rust, collection and bulking it up and conducting field assessments (scoring). I conducted crop disease surveys in the Peace River region of British Columbia and Alberta for two consecutive years, enhancing my understanding of crop disease identification. After graduation, I joined the Cereal Breeding Lab at the University of Alberta in March 2024, where I am currently immersed in the 2024 seeding trial of the wheat breeding program. My passion for wheat breeding continues to grow with each passing day. Outside of research, Ienjoy exploring places with natural beauty, playing volleyball, and badminton.

I am graduate in Plant Sciences from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, where I was under the mentorship of Dr. Gurcharn Brar. Prior to my time in Canada, I was actively engaged in plant genomics research at esteemed institutions such as the National Institute of Plant Genome Research in New Delhi and Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana.

Subsequently, I contributed to the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium project at Punjab Agricultural University before pursuing graduate studies in functional pathogenomics at UBC.

My research focuses was on functional pathogenomics of oat crown rust. While equipped with expertise in Bioinformatics, my tenure at UBC broadened my knowledge in rust pathosystems. (Oat and Wheat), molecular biology techniques, and fieldwork. Dr. Brar himself trained me in identification of various rust, collection and bulking it up and conducting field assessments (scoring). I conducted crop disease surveys in the Peace River region of British Columbia and Alberta for two consecutive years, enhancing my understanding of crop disease identification.

After graduation, I joined the Cereal Breeding Lab at the University of Alberta in March 2024, where I am currently immersed in the 2024 seeding trial of the wheat breeding program. My passion for wheat breeding continues to grow with each passing day. Outside of research, Ienjoy exploring places with natural beauty, playing volleyball, and badminton.