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SeaStock research partners at Flinders University mark major research milestone

In further exciting news from SeaStock’s research partner “Flinders University”, Prof. Jian Qin and Dr Thanh Hoang Hai are pleased to report that the research team is getting closer to developing the full life cycle stage of Asparagopsis Taxiformis

This Western Australian native red algae from the Abrolhos Islands has a highly complex life cycle as tetrasprophyte, gametophyte and carposporophyte. All of these life stages are currently explored at lab scale as we work towards the commercial cultivation of Asparagopsis in WA.

Prof. Jian Qin commented: 

“We have been culturing tetrasporophyte and the early-stage of gametophyte has been recently developed in the laboratory. 

“This is a major milestone in terms of the development of our research that will allow SeaStock to further its research in the ocean culture by way of seeding lines.”

SeaStock Managing Director Tom Puddy said the milestone was a significant one for both SeaStock and Flinders on the path towards full scale commercialisation.

“This is a very significant milestone and one that was achieved well ahead of our anticipated timeline.

“This will allow us to gear up to produce larger commercial quantities of Asparagopsis to meet market demand and to scale up more quickly which is a huge positive for us as we progress.”

DR SANJANA SENTHILKuMaR

Research Scientist

Dr Sanjana Senthilkumar is a Ph.D. graduate of Philosophy in Biosciences and Bioengineering, from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, and holds a Bachelor of Technology in biochemistry from Sathyabama University, in India. During this time Sanjana gained vast research knowledge on plant secondary metabolites and their physiochemical properties. Her nearly decade-long experience spans across plant tissue culture, natural product chemistry, photo-physics, and various analytical techniques. She possesses skill in experimental design, research review, execution, data analysis, and scientific writing. She has led and executed a research entrepreneurship project, which involved design, development, and patenting of an innovative apparatus for use in chemistry laboratories. Additionally, she has undertaken several roles as a trainer, teaching assistant, supervisor, instrument operator, and laboratory demonstrator. Sanjana has been appointed to the position of Research Scientist to support the next phase of the Company’s commercial growth. Tasked specifically with helping establish a scientific approach to developing sustainable and commercially viable biomass growth of macro algae.

Zoe HOpKINSON

Production Technician

In 2023 Zoe completed a Bachelors in Coastal and Marine Science at Curtin University. During her study Zoe also gained work experience as an aquaculture volunteer, including roles with PhD students and Department Primary Industry Resource Development (DPIRD).  In addition Zoe worked at the Geraldton TAFE commercial hatchery, which introduced her knowledge to cultivate Asparagopsis seaweed and aquaculture operations.
Within completing Zoe's degree, she also completed field work studies on fish behaviours and interacted with multiple marine based professionals.  Zoe had access to innovative technology that made her learning & experiences much more immersive and accessible, enabling her to gain experience in technologies, equipment and platforms used within the aquaculture research industry.  Zoe is thrilled to be a part of the Seastock science team, which has further ignited her passion for the ocean and participating in work which will benefit the state of our climate. Working towards a more positive future for all.