Ben J. G. Sutherland, Ph.D.
As a member of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, I currently analyze next-generation sequence data for a variety of projects. Mainly my work encompasses bioinformatics aspects of projects involving genetic stock identification, parentage-based tagging, environmental DNA, and transcriptomics.
Current research and/or projects
I use genetic tools enabled by bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing technology to study various aspects of conservation molecular ecology. This involves various techniques and approaches including high-throughput genotyping for genetic stock identification and parentage-based tagging, and sequencing analysis to study genome evolution, population genetic parameters, environmental DNA, and transcriptomics.
Research and/or project statements
My current projects include
- Development of high-throughput genotyping panels for all five Pacific salmonids and Eulachon
- Characterize genetic structure and implement genetic stock identification for the five salmonids and Eulachon to the highest resolution possible within the limits of the ecology and genetics of the species
- Develop next-generation sequencing advances and associated bioinformatics for emerging technologies (e.g. in-field, real-time genotyping, environmental DNA metabarcoding)
Professional activities / interests
My main professional activities and interests involve
- Conservation of aquatic resources using molecular tools
- Conducting and facilitating open science and reproducible research
- Considering challenges in the context of whole-ecosystem or whole-genome functions
Education and awards
- 2019-present Research Scientist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- 2018-2019 Biologist at Fisheries and Oceans Canada
- 2017-2018 Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of British Columbia and Fisheries and Oceans Canada, British Columbia, BC, Canada
- 2014-2017 Postdoctoral Researcher at Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- 2008-2014 Ph.D. Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria BC Canada
- 2004-2008 B.Sc. Biology (Honours), Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, BC Canada
Additional links
Research website: http://benjgsutherland.weebly.com/
GitHub: https://github.com/bensutherland
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ben_Sutherland
Key publications
Please see a full list of my publications on Google Scholar:
ORCID