Recognition for Holstein Australia’s Miranda Clark

Holstein Australia’s Genomic Services Officer, Miranda Clark, has been recognised by the National Herd Improvement Association of Australia (NHIA) for her role in increasing the acceptance and understanding of genomics among Australian breeders.

Miranda received the Young Person Achiever Award at the National Herd Improvement Association dinner held in January.

“I was really surprised. I just come in to the office every day and do my job. To receive this award is a real honour and it’s great to be recognised,” says Miranda.

Miranda has worked for Holstein Australia and DataGene since 2015. She studied animal science and management at Melbourne University and had originally intended to become a vet before being drawn away to the genetics field.

“Genomics was really new when I was at university and I found it fascinating. I knew immediately it was the area of animal science that I wanted to get into,” says Miranda.

NHIA director, Paul Douglas, presented Miranda with her award and says she has played a vital role in the creation of Australia’s genomics system.

“I think Miranda is a bit of an unsung hero. She has been involved in genomics from its early days and has played an important role in its evolution, particularly in the streamlining of the genomics system and the complex data channels behind it to make it user friendly, increasing its acceptance and understanding”.

Two well-known industry figures were also recognised at the NHIA Dinner. Gerard Daniel, one of the founders of Numurkah Nu Genes and Peter Williams, DataGene Extension Officer, were the inaugural recipients of the Lawrie Wells Meritorious Service Award, named after the well-known industry pioneer.