Robledo Group - postdoctoral researcher Current researchI am a molecular biologist currently working on developing methods for more efficient breeding of robust traits in Atlantic salmon. More specifically, I am trying to culture salmon germline stem cells in the laboratory. These cells can later be transplanted into surrogate fish, creating new opportunities for selective breeding and genetic improvement in aquaculture. One exciting application of this work is the potential to gene-edit the cells before transplantation. This will allow desirable traits such as improved disease resistance to be introduced more efficiently into future salmon generations. BackgroundI have worked with Atlantic salmon for the past 8 years, starting as a summer intern at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute during my studies. After completing my bachelor’s degree, I wrote a master’s thesis about the salmon gut microbiota. I then pursued a doctoral degree at the Institute of Marine Research (Norway), where my work focused on the application of CRISPR-based genome editing tools in Atlantic salmon, with a particular emphasis on targeting immune-related genes for editing. This work resulted in the implementation of two new editing tools in salmon: Cas12a nuclease and base-editing. We also generated several knockout models, such as fish deficient in IgM+ B cells. Such models are important for increasing our understanding of gene function. (2015–2018) BASc Biomedical Laboratory Science, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences(2018–2020) MSc Biotechnology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU)(2020–2024) PhD Molecular biology, University of Bergen & Institute of Marine Research(2025–present) Postdoctoral Research Associate, The Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh Favourite aquaculture animalIf it’s not already obvious: Atlantic salmon <*))))))>< Interests hopes and dreamsOutside the lab, I enjoy working out, playing World of Warcraft, and listening to music. I love going to gigs and I recently started learning to play the violin! I hope my work can contribute to improving Atlantic salmon health and welfare in aquaculture. This article was published on 2026-05-11
