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Staff in AGL

	Emily Piper - Science Leader Emily completed her PhD at The University of Queensland and joined the Animal Genetics Laboratory in late 2009. Emily brings experience in a range of molecular and immunological techniques to the AGL, and while she is responsible for maintaining the high level of service offered to the AGL’s clients, she is also heavily involved in research within the school and at a wider industry level. With a strong background in agriculture and animal science, Emily is committed to delivering the best in animal science technologies to the forefront of Australia’s livestock industries. Contact: e.piper@uq.edu.au
	Sean Corley - Research Development Manager Sean has been heading up the research and development arm of the AGL since 2005. Prior to working at the AGL he worked with the Australian Equine Genetics unit for 17 years, performing both blood typing and DNA typing for parentage verification purposes in horses. Sean brings over 20 years experience in molecular technologies and parentage verification to the AGL and is primarily responsible for test development. Sean is heavily involved in research projects within the vet school and beyond, and has an army of postgraduate students with which he shares his experience. Sean has recently enrolled in a PhD program to further his work on molecular mechanisms conferring resistance to acaricides in cattle tick populations. Contact: s.corley@uq.edu
	Hong Duong - Customer Relations Manager Hong joined the AGL in 1999 as Laboratory Operations Manager. Until recently, Hong has been responsible for the smooth operation of AGL in terms of staff management, laboratory procedures, reporting of results and customer service. While continuing to play a supporting role within the unit, her focus has shifted to client liaison. With over 19 years of experience in genetic technologies and customer service, Hong is a strong believer in work efficiency and vows to deliver excellence in customer service. Hong is well recognised by cattle breeders throughout Australia for her outstanding ability to solve complex parentage cases. Contact: h.duong@uq.edu.au
	Deanne Waine - Operations Manager Deanne joined the AGL team in early 2007 as a keen laboratory technician and has recently moved into the role of Laboratory Operations Manager. Deanne is integrally involved in all aspects of the AGL’s operations and is especially dedicated to maintaining an efficient workflow in the laboratory, implementing and upholding stringent quality control measures. Deanne’s research interests lie within the field of avian molecular diagnostics and she has been closely involved with recent research projects surrounding this topic. Deanne envisages that her research will lead to a suite of diagnostic tests for diseases in birds that can be offered to the aviculturist community. Contact: d.waine@uq.edu.au
	Anne Blyth -Admin & Finance Officer Anne joined the AGL in November 2009 and is responsible for data entry and management, finance matters and telephone queries. Prior to working at the AGL Anne has worked in similar roles all over Australia, including local council, tertiary education, banking, tourism, shipping and transport, retail, veterinary science and mining. Contact: a.blyth@uq.edu.au
	Kim Lyons - Laboratory Technician Kim started working part time at AGL in October 2009. Her main role is to extract DNA from the different tissues submitted by our clients. Before starting here, Kim has had a few years out of research to have a family. She had a brief part time role at CSIRO Livestock Industries working in the prawn aquaculture molecular biology group. Previous to this she has worked in molecular parasitology at QIMR, Glasgow University, Strathclyde University and the University of Technology, Sydney, on Plasmodium, Theileria, Toxoplasma, Leishmania, Sarcocystis and Platyhelminths. Contact: k.lyons2@uq.edu.au
	Ross Millewski - Laboratory Assistant Ross joined the AGL in late 2010 as a laboratory technician and is primarily responsible for the lab duties supporting the DNA typing process such as DNA extraction and assay preparation. Although not having worked in animal genetics previously, Ross has always had an association with the agricultural industries, initially working on a dairy farm, then in a dairy factory for 10 years and he now operates a small beef cattle breeding and raising venture. Following this, Ross spent 18 years at UQ teaching food science and has more recently worked in administration and bookkeeping for a soil and landscape supplies business, thus bringing a very wide range of experience to the AGL team. Contact: r.millewski@uq.edu.au
	Wendy Armstrong -Laboratory Technician Wendy has worked with the AGL for 5 years since 2005, following 6 years with the UQ Blood Typing Laboratory and provides both administrative and laboratory experience. Wendy takes responsibility for receiving and processing genotyping requests, data base entry, invoicing and she attends to client enquiries. Wendy also performs general laboratory duties including DNA extraction. Wendy specialises in cooking a wide range of biscuits and slices and is always a keen participant in the Vet School 'Bake Off' competitions. Contact: wk.armstrong@uq.edu.au
	Sarah Buttsworth - Laboratory Assistant Sarah graduated from the University of New England in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular Genetics and Biotechnology. Sarah joined the AGL in late 2010 after a short stint in the UQ Vet School administration team. Sarah’s role in the AGL is primarily focused in the laboratory, although she can sometimes be found in the office as well. Sarah’s interest in agriculture began when her family established a small Lowline cattle stud just south of Toowoomba in 2003. Sarah is committed to continuing her education in both science and business fields and hopes to be part of the UQ family for many years to come. Contact: s.buttsworth@uq.edu.au