Dr. Ikaia Leleiwi is a Research Scientist at AgNext, where he applies microbial ecology to develop sustainable practices in ruminant systems. Prior to this role, Ikaia worked as a postdoctoral researcher at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, using stable isotope probing and multi-omics to link soil microbial community dynamics to broader biogeochemical outcomes. He completed his Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa and earned both his Master’s degree in Microbiology and his Ph.D. in Cell and Molecular Biology at Colorado State University. During his time at CSU, Ikaia studied the gut microbiome in mice during Salmonella infection and developed a lasting passion for computational biology and bioinformatics.

Ikaia was introduced to agriculture at a young age, growing up in a family of Eastern Colorado ranchers. He grew up in both Colorado and Hawai’i and now calls Fort Collins home with his wife and two sons. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, playing with his kids, and reading sci-fi and fantasy.