Wymond Symes Consultant
After 11 years as a researcher Wymond became interested in commercializing the outcomes of research and has undertaken consultancy work for Auckland Uniservices Ltd and GeneDetect Ltd. Wymond also worked for Vialactia, a research arm of Fonterra, evaluating the commercial potential of opportunities around herd genetics in the dairy industry.
Whilst he was a researcher, Wymond's career was in medical research, working in several laboratories as a senior scientist in neuroscience based gene therapy labs at Auckland University and Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. In this role Wymond worked on developing a novel genetic vaccine for epilepsy and helped optimize viral gene delivery to the brain.
Wymond now works closely with the dairy industry through the management and development of nutritional products, and the benchmarking of stock productivity for a New Zealand manufacturer. With an interest in sustainable farming practice Wymond has also undertaken significant farming and cropping carbon footprinting projects. In addition to determining the environmental impacts of business operations Wymond has extensive experience in LCA (life cycle assessment) - the determination of the environmental impacts of products, services and systems over their lifetime.
Wymond's key capabilities include:
- Carbon accounting (operational carbon inventories and product LCA)
- Experience and understanding of the biotechnology industry
- Expert user of LCA software
- Project management expertise
- Knowledge of the New Zealand dairy industry
- Knowledge of the ACVM regulations for livestock feeds and treatments
Wymond has a small lifestyle property near Tauranga that allows him to maintain his interest in cattle, and he enjoys mountain biking, kayaking and adventure racing. The arrival of a daughter in mid 2009 has added new pleasures to an already wonderful, fulfilling life.
Wymond holds an MSc in Biochemistry from the University of Auckland.