Giovanny Covarrubias-Pazaran

Giovanny is the current Breeding Analytics Lead where he employs advanced quantitative methods to help maximize genetic gains. He holds a PhD in Plant Breeding and Genetics with a strong statistical background and over eight years of active experience in breeding programs and field research.

Giovanny’s expertise lies in quantitative genetics and multivariate linear mixed modeling, utilizing various software platforms such as R and SAS. He has notably developed one of the most widely recognized and renowned mixed model software for multivariate genomic selection called “sommer” (R package).

He has successfully deployed state-of-the-art predictive methodologies in breeding programs, including, genomic selection, heterotic pool formation, selection indices, sparse testing, and many more. Giovanny has also contributed to optimizing breeding pipelines in the CGIAR breeding programs through a conscious adoption of technologies. His current work is focused in the development of cloud-based tools for genetic evaluation, and his research is focused on hybrid breeding and selection limits.