Current Research Team
DR. DUY NGOC DO, Research Associate
Dr. Duy Ngoc Do is a Research Associate at Dalhousie University, where he applies advanced genomic techniques to enhance livestock productivity and disease resistance. Dr. Do earned his Ph.D. in Quantitative Genetics (pigs) from the University of Copenhagen (2012–2015) and later conducted postdoctoral research in Genomics and Epigenetics (dairy cows) at McGill University (2015–2018). His research experiences span Vietnam, Canada, and Europe. Dr. Do’s research leverages genomic approaches, AI-driven prediction models and non-coding RNA analysis to optimize breeding strategies for improved feed efficiency and disease resilience in livestock. Currently, he works on a project integrating machine learning with genomic selection to enhance swine feed efficiency, aiming to reduce environmental impact while boosting productivity. He also involves in supervising students and serves as an editor and reviewer for several journals in the field.
DR. Guoyu Hu, Postdoctoral fellow
Dr. Guoyu Hu is a postdoc fellow supervised by Dr. Younes Mair at Dalhousie University. Before joining Dr. Miar's lab, Guoyu earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Resources and Environment from Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University in China and a Bachelor of Science in Aquaculture from Dalhousie University in Canada. After that, he completed his MSc and PhD studies at Dalhousie University, supervised by Dr. Younes Mair. Guoyu is currently doing research on enhancing robustness in pigs using advanced genomics and machine learning. After spending nearly seven years exploring the potential of genetic selection in improving farm animals' disease resilience and robustness, Guoyu believes genetic and genomic selection for favorable health traits has great potential in reducing the adverse influences caused by diseases in farm animals and improving the health, welfare, and productivity of farm animals.
Belle Kim, MSc student
Belle Kim is a Master’s student at Dalhousie University, currently researching Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) for feed efficiency traits in pigs. She completed her Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in 2024 at the Truro campus, within the Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture.
Belle was first introduced to Dr. Miar through his animal breeding course during her undergraduate studies, where in the following year, she pursued an Honours project under his supervision. Her project, titled "Estimation of Genetic and Phenotypic Parameters for Feed Efficiency Traits in Pigs," sparked her interest in the complexities and possibilities of animal breeding and genomic research.
This experience led Belle to continue her academic journey with a Master’s degree, where she aims to further deepen her understanding and contribute to advancements in animal breeding and feed efficiency in livestock.
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Nasir mousavi, Postdoctoral Fellow Scholar
Dr. Seyed Mohammad Nasir Mousavi is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Dalhousie University, Canada, specializing in Plant Genetics and Breeding. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Debrecen, Hungary, where he focused on the genetic improvement and agronomic performance of maize hybrids. With over 50 peer-reviewed publications and multiple international conference presentations, his research spans crop improvement, biofortification, precision agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Dr. Mousavi has extensive experience in molecular biology, statistical modeling, and machine learning applications in agriculture. His work contributes significantly to enhancing food security and agricultural resilience in the face of climate change.
Dr. Seyed Hassan Miraei Ashtiani, Postdoctoral Fellow
Dr. Seyed Hassan Miraei Ashtiani is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Dalhousie University, Canada, where he works at the intersection of computational methods and agricultural advancement. His research focuses on Visual Data Sensing and Analytics, Field Automation Systems, and Precision Agricultural Engineering to improve contemporary agricultural practices. Having earned his doctorate in Biosystems Engineering from Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Iran, Dr. Miraei Ashtiani addresses complex agricultural challenges through his knowledge of advanced computational frameworks. His technical expertise includes Python, MATLAB, Abaqus Finite Element Analysis, and ANSYS—tools he uses to develop solutions to multifaceted agricultural problems. In the field of agricultural innovation, Dr. Miraei Ashtiani's work integrates video analytics, image processing algorithms, and signal interpretation to improve agricultural sustainability. His interdisciplinary approach combines engineering principles with agricultural applications, contributing to addressing important challenges in global food production systems.
Valentino Di tomaso, summer student
Valentino Di Tomaso is a fourth-year undergraduate student at Dalhousie University, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Bioveterinary Science, with the prospect of completing an honours project on mink growth and development at the Truro campus within the Department of Animal Science and Aquaculture. Valentino is also currently involved in another research project which will take place over the summer is related to Genome-wide Epistatic SNP Network Effects on Body Weight and Length in Mink with Dr. Miar. Valentino's involvement in this project, which is being supported by the Sobey Agricultural Undergraduate Research Award (SAURA) and supervised by Dr. Miar, recognizes Valentino's research potential within genomic research in mink.