I am a laboratory technician in the Precision Tree Breeding platform of the Forest Molecular Genetics programme. My roles in the platform include preparation of different plant tissues such as leaves, needles, and cambium, DNA isolation, generation of microsatellite marker data and analysis. Part of this role also include providing laboratory administration duties such as equipment management and assisting with training of students on certain techniques.

The Precision Tree Breeding Platform has been operational since 2008 and we focus mainly on forestry species such as Eucalyptus and Pine to confirm breeding/commercial lines for industry. We use microsatellite and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers for clonal identity, parentage and species confirmation. In 2021 we were upgraded to a High Throughput DNA Extraction Facility with our GenoGrinder and oKtopureTM DNA extraction Robot to assist with the growing demand of samples where we currently process around 12 000 samples annually. We have also added Macadamia and Acacia to our pipelines and are looking for further expand to additional species. Through our DNA extraction robot we were able to offer additional DNA isolation services in our platform for a variety of samples and species and have successfully extracted DNA from Cycads, Aloe, Greyia and insects (parasitic wasps).

I joined the Forest Molecular Genetics Wood Chemistry platform , as a work-integrated learner. After completing my studies I joined the DNA Fingerprinting platform as an intern. My role in the team is to assist in preparing and isolating DNA sample extractions and DNA quality control.