Khrystyna Kurta leads the Formas-funded research project "Boosting the reproductive performance of Arctic charr using high-throughput sequencing technologies." Here, we get to know her a bit more!
1. How did you end up in your research field?
I've always been fascinated by fish. As a child, I spent a lot of time fishing with my dad, and during my university years, I became curious about what's called fish farming. Together with a group of students, I got to see fish embryos hatch in the final stage, and in that moment, I just knew, 'I'm going to work with fish!'—and that's how it happened.
2. Was it obvious that you would dedicate yourself to research at all?
No, I've also done many other things - but a lot has been related to fish! Among other things, I've worked on testing the quality of caviar and fish meat, sorting fish at fish farms, and working in a molecular genetics lab. When I found my first fish and genetics project, it felt like a perfect match.
3. Your favorite fish?
Definitely Arctic charr! It would be magical to experience ice fishing in northern Sweden (Luleå, Piteå, etc.) and catch Arctic charr from one of the lakes.