Name: Leigh Marquess Position: Chief Operating Officer Degrees: BSA, MSc., PhD. Candidate Email: l.marquess@quantumgenetics.ca About: Both University education and life experience allowed Leigh to acquire the rare combination of expertise in molecular genetics and feedlot management. This powerful combination of knowledge sparked the idea for Quantum Genetics in 2001, when Leigh, along with his brother Andrew, formed Quantum Genetics, Inc. Marquess attended the University of Saskatchewan where he earned his undergraduate degree in Animal Science and a Masters in Molecular Genetics. Leigh begun taking courses to finish his PhD at the U of S in 2006. During his Masters work, he was heavily involved in genetic research under the guidance of Dr. Shelia Schmutz, including work on the mapping of the "polled gene." Quantum Genetics was formed to test cattle for the obese gene, which produces leptin. The leptin gene, discovered at the University of Saskatchewan, regulates appetite and energy use. Since its conception, Quantum Genetics has moved to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and has expanded to include six staff members and a high through put testing laboratory.