When you came to USU, were there others with a similar expertise to your own?
Tom Bunch had embryo culture and ET (embryo transfer) experience, but no one else had NT (nuclear transfer) expertise - that came to campus when I arrived. I also brought the first large animal developmental biology expertise.
What was your goal in hiring other researchers with like-minded specialties?
To create a strong cluster of expertise in large animal NT and large animal molecular/developmental biology core.
Do you have a vision for the Large Animal Genetic Engineering Center here at Utah State University?
Yes, I would like to see our group develop into the recognized Center for large animal assisted reproduction and genetic engineering that leads Nationally/Internationally in this area.
Do you feel USU has a special skillset or setup to develop a center like CLATS?
Absolutely - we have the best expertise in large animal (Ruminate) NT, along with gene editing expertise, along with strong support staff. No one else can produce small ruminant animal GE (gene edited or genome editing) or bovine GE animals as efficiently as USU.
What are the implications of the industry and its future? What value does it offer in our world?
This is the next generation tool that will provide high efficient and rapid gene selection/modification.