July 8, 2025 – At Morris Animal Foundation, we bridge science and resources to advance animal health. One of our most ambitious and impactful initiatives is the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a long-term commitment to improving canine health through rigorous veterinary research.
Behind this effort is a dedicated group of experts ensuring that the science remains relevant, ethical, and aligned with the Foundation’s mission. The Scientific Steering Committee provides the leadership and insight needed to guide the Study’s ongoing success.
What is the Scientific Steering Committee?
The Scientific Steering Committee is a group of volunteer experts who offer scientific oversight and strategic guidance to the Morris Animal Foundation team. Their mission is to ensure that the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study remains scientifically sound and impactful.
Committee Responsibilities
The Committee supports the Foundation by:
- Reviewing and selecting research proposals that use Study data and biological samples
- Recommending funding for the most promising Study-related research
- Ensuring all research aligns with the Foundation’s mission and scientific standards
- Collaborating on research strategies and refining methodologies
- Maintaining confidentiality and managing conflicts of interest
Members are appointed for renewable three-year terms and meet at least six times per year. They work closely with Foundation staff, particularly Dr. Julia Labadie, the staff liaison.
Meet the Committee Members
These respected leaders in veterinary science, epidemiology, genetics, and related fields volunteer their time to advance the health of dogs everywhere:
- Julia Labadie, DVM, MSPH, PhD (Staff Liaison) – Morris Animal Foundation
Specialty: Epidemiology, veterinary public health - Anne Avery, VMD, PhD – Colorado State University
Specialty: Lymphoproliferative disorders, immunology - John Bauer, DVM, PhD, DACVN – Texas A&M University
Specialty: Nutrition - Matthew Breen, PhD, CBiol FRSB – North Carolina State University
Specialty: Canine genetics, cancer genomics - Holly Ganz, PhD – AnimalBiome
Specialty: Microbiome research - Rod Page, DVM, DACVIM – Colorado State University
Specialty: Cancer - Daniel Promislow, PhD – Dog Aging Project; Tufts University
Specialty: Aging - Eleanor Raffan, BVM&S, CertSAM, DipECVIM-CA, PhD – University of Cambridge, UK
Specialty: Canine genetics, metabolic disorders, small animal internal medicine - Audrey Ruple, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVPM, MRCVS, FNAP – Virginia Tech
Specialty: Epidemiology - Preston Williams, PhD – Second Genome, Inc., South San Francisco
Specialty: Proteomics, microbiome research
These individuals play a crucial role in helping the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study deliver high-quality, relevant research that benefits animals now and for generations to come.
