Brendon O'Rourke
PhD Student
University of Melbourne.
Topic: Finding Genes for Economically Important Traits - Early career scientist, Beef CRC
Education
Bachelor of Science (Hons.) University of Western Sydney, 1997
Professional Experience
Brendon began his scientific career studying bacterial genetics at the University of Sydney. Later, these skills were transferred into commercial science using molecular techniques to identify viral pathogens in human therapeutics. In 2004, Brendon commenced a career in animal genetics with Industry and Investment NSW. Brendon is again employed as a molecular geneticist for Industry and Investment NSW, after submitting his PhD thesis in January 2011. He is currently supervising the Genetics laboratory, which offers a suite of DNA tests for recessive inherited disorders in livestock.
Brendon's PhD focussed upon genetic variation in the myostatin gene and its effect on muscle mass in beef cattle. His research has identified new genetic markers with mild improvements to muscle mass. The same genetic markers showed further value by predicting performance for other traits of industry value. These important findings can be applied to improve the genetic merit of beef cattle, as well as improve the accuracy of estimated breeding values for the implicated traits.
