Cathryn completed a BSc in genetics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in 1984, followed by a PhD in developmental genetics from Leicester University in 1991. She stayed in Leicester for her first post-doctoral position before moving to the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, (Seattle, USA), where she played an integral role developing the first maps of the canine genome. Cathryn took up her position at the Animal Health Trust in 2001 where she and her research team investigate the genetic basis of inherited canine diseases which are painful, blinding, require surgical or medical intervention or otherwise reduce the quality of life of affected dogs. Their work involves close collaboration with many canine stakeholder groups, including fellow canine geneticists, veterinary surgeons, the Kennel Club, dog Breed Clubs and the dog-owning public. An immediate-term objective of Cathryn’s research is the development of DNA tools that dog breeders can use to reduce the prevalence of disease in future generations of dogs and that veterinary surgeons can use to help diagnose disease. A longer-term aim is to improve our understanding of disease aetiology in dogs and other species. In 2015 Cathryn was recognised for her contributions to veterinary science and canine health as the co-winner of the International Canine Health Awards (International Prize), run by the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and in 2016 was awarded the PetPlan Charitable Trust Scientific Award. Cathryn is a member of the Worls Small Animal Veterinary Association Hereditary Disease Committee, the Scientific Committee of the International Conference on Advances in Canine and Feline Genomics and Inherited Diseases (http://www.caninefelinegenomicsconference.org/index.html), the Kennel Club Dog Health Group and the Kennel Club Health Screening & Genetics Sub-Group.