Max Robotics — Global Service Robot Directory + US Certification

About

Mariya A. Kusliy is a leading researcher in ancient DNA (aDNA) and evolutionary genomics, with a primary focus on developing and optimizing molecular techniques for studying degraded genetic material. Her most-cited work, "Performance and automation of ancient DNA capture with RNA hyRAD probes" (2021, 21 citations), represents a landmark contribution to aDNA methodology. In this study, Kusliy conducted the first comprehensive assessment of RNA hyRAD probes for targeted sequence enrichment, demonstrating how hybridization-capture can dramatically improve sequencing efficiency by focusing on preselected genomic regions—a critical advance given that aDNA extracts are often overwhelmed by environmental contaminants. This work has provided the field with a validated, automated protocol that reduces costs and increases throughput, enabling researchers to extract more meaningful genetic data from precious archaeological samples. Kusliy’s expertise bridges molecular biology and bioinformatics, and her methodological innovations have been widely adopted by laboratories worldwide, directly accelerating discoveries in human evolution, domestication, and paleoecology. Her research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with ancient genomes, making her an influential figure in the rapidly evolving landscape of paleogenomics.