Ben Koop

Professor Ben Koop researches molecular evolution in fish at University of Victoria, with focus on salmonid genomics following whole genome duplication. His work analyzes gene family evolution, immune system diversification, and aquaculture pathogen interactions.

Current projects investigate: 1) Rediploidization mechanisms in salmonids 2) Genomic basis of sea lice resistance 3) Conservation genomics of threatened salmon populations. Research employs high-density SNP arrays, genome resequencing, and transcriptomic approaches.

Publication output emphasizes genomic architecture (40% of works), adaptive variation (30%), and applied aquaculture genetics (30%). Recent contributions include chromosome-level assemblies for 6 salmonid species.

Leads the Functional Annotation of All Salmonid Genomes (FAASG) initiative. Supervised 23 PhD graduates and maintains collaborations with Fisheries and Oceans Canada and aquaculture industry partners.