Karen Marshall

I am a principal scientist within ILRI and currently lead the Livestock Genetics Flagship of the Livestock CRP.  I have been with ILRI since 2007 based in Nairobi, Kenya.  Whilst my main area of expertise is in animal breeding and genetics, I typically work as a member of multi- or trans-disciplinary programs, aimed at addressing the multiple and varied constraints within a particular livestock value chain or system.  I strongly believe that to make positive change in these challenging systems a multi-faceted approach - working at different scales and with different actors - is required.  I am also very passionate about ensuring the work we do within animal breeding and genetics, and more generally, is gender responsive and promotes women’s empowerment.  I have worked in numerous different livestock systems focusing on different species (mainly cattle, small ruminants and pigs) in varied countries within African and Asia.