Meat Science and Muscle Biology Faculty Candidate Visit - Dr. Manuel Juarez

You are invited to a Research and Teaching seminar in ANNU 141 for the Assistant/Associate Professor in Meat Science/Muscle Biology faculty position in the department of Animal Biosciences/ OAC. Following the presentation, you will have an opportunity to engage in a collaborative discussion during the Q&A session.

Our first candidate, Dr. Manuel Juarez, will be giving a presentation on “The future of meat science in Canada - Making the University of Guelph the Canadian Meat Centre of Excellence”.

Abstract: In this presentation, we will explore current and future challenges and opportunities for the Canadian Meat Sector, as well as the role of the University of Guelph as a leader in education and research. Dr. Juárez will present his experience as a research scientist and educator, as well as his approach to a program to support the Canadian industry, including potential collaborations and funding sources. Using the resources available at the University of Guelph and creating opportunities for students to become familiar with meat science and muscle biology will be at the core of Dr. Juárez’s seminar.

Bio: Dr. Manuel Juárez completed his Ph.D. in Animal Production from the University of Seville in 2007. Previously, Dr. Juárez completed an MBA and a DVM, and worked in research labs in Italy and Ireland. He also worked in the private sector in Finland and Spain. In 2009, Dr. Juárez arrived to Canada as a postdoctoral fellow, and two years later he became the Livestock Phenomics Scientist at the Lacombe RDC. Dr. Juárez coordinates the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Livestock Phenomics program, linking livestock genomics and phenotypic research focused on meat production. Dr. Juárez applies a holistic approach to evaluate the interactions between genetic and environmental factors in order to quantify their relative contribution on animal performance, carcass and meat quality traits. Breeders can benefit from being able to select and sort animals based on current and expected market conditions. His goal is the optimization of livestock production systems to maximize profitability while maintaining or enhancing carcass and meat quality.