I entered college thinking I would be a marine engineer. It took a summer caring for horses to set me straight – I had wanted to go to the bottom of the ocean to see what was down there, not build the submersible to get there. I changed my major to biochemistry and molecular biology (my physics and math courses still came in handy!) and went into genetics and veterinary medicine. Now I am a veterinary geneticist, one of only a handful in the world, and likely the only one pursuing a Masters degree in Communications. I am passionate about translating the science into a language that people can understand and providing useful information so they can make their pets’ lives better.

I am also passionate about dogs. They are a tremendous species that thousands of years ago evolved to be our loyal and generous partners and companions. Dogs have been in my life since I was a young child and I have built my career around studying them. We currently share our home with Nori, a joyful Welsh Springer Spaniel, and Annie, an intense Russell Terrier/Australian Cattle Dog mix, whose traits and behaviors I observe closely. I am fascinated by the genetic and biological mechanisms that have come together to build the physical and behavioral characteristics of this species as a whole with unmatched diversity across hundreds of different breeds and millions of individuals. I have personally analyzed the DNA of over 100,000 mixed breed and purebred dogs and talked to thousands of dog parents about what makes their unique dog tick. I also pioneered the concept of using genetic testing to align potential breeding dogs and estimate the genetic diversity of their puppies, launching this in a first-of-its kind test called Optimal Selection™ to help improve the health of many of our beloved breeds.

A circuitous path has led me to where I am today – a dog genetics expert. I want to build upon my wealth of knowledge and continue down this path to help make the world a better place for our dogs and the people who love them.