Mehrdad Hajibabaei

Associate Professor
Centre for Biodiversity Genomics &
Department of Integrative Biology

Mehrdad Hajibabaei is an expert in molecular evolutionary biology and bioinformatics. His research has focused on the use of genomics information in biodiversity analysis, ranging from the elucidation of deep branches of the tree of life to the establishment and application of DNA barcodes (standardized species-level DNA markers). Hajibabaei has been one of the pioneers in the use of high-throughput genomics technologies, such as microarrays and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) for the assessment of biodiversity in samples as varied as natural health products to bulk environmental samples. His research contributions have generated over 3200 citations (ISI). Additionally, he has played a leadership role in establishing large-scale research projects and networks, such as the Canadian Barcode of Life Network and the International Barcode of Life (iBOL). He currently leads Biomonitoring 2.0 (www.biomonitoring2.org), a large-scale applied genomics project funded by Genome Canada, Environment Canada, and Parks Canada involving seven research groups. This project uses NGS technologies for comprehensive assessment of biodiversity in Canada’s largest national park, Wood Buffalo National Park, with direct linkage to environmental monitoring of the Alberta Oil Sands. Hajibabaei has independently raised over $6.7M in research funds from various agencies and the industrial sector. He has served on advisory and review panels for international organizations and funding agencies, and has collaborated with regulatory agencies and various industries.

Current Positions
Project Leader, Biomonitoring 2.0
Associate Editor, BMC Evolutionary Biology
Associate Editor, BMC Ecology

Education
Ph.D. – Ottawa (2003)
B.Sc. – Tehran (1994)

 

Contact information
Office:	Centre for Biodiversity Genomics, Rm 108
Lab:	Centre for Biodiversity Genomics
Phone:	519-824-4120 x52487
Fax:	519-824-5703
Email:	mhajibab@uoguelph.ca
Web:	http://hajibabaei.ibarcode.org
	http://www.uoguelph.ca/ib/people/faculty/hajibabaei.shtml

Download a copy of my CV here (Updated July 18, 2014).