About
Dr. Anastasija Zaiko is a Co-Founder and Lead Scientist at Sequench Ltd, a professional environmental DNA/RNA (eDNA/eRNA) laboratory established in Nelson, New Zealand, that offers high-end molecular analyses and science-based solutions for environmental monitoring. Before that, she worked in academia (universities and research institutes) for almost two decades. Dr. Zaiko has broad expertise in aquatic and invasive species ecology, and the development and assessment of molecular tools for monitoring and surveillance. She developed and taught a number of undergrad and postgrad courses at universities in Lithuania, Spain, New Zealand, developed and contributed to multiple educational and outreach programmes with schools and general public, as well as citizen science projects.
Dr. Zaiko had leading roles in many national and international research programmes, projects and field expeditions, conducting experimental and observational studies in aquatic ecosystems. In 2023, she was elected President of the newly established Southern eDNA Society (SeDNAs).