Dr. Heidi Anderson, PhD
Advisor
Heidi Anderson is a geneticist and health strategist with over a decade of experience advancing companion animal genetics, health, and welfare, with a passion for scientific discovery and translating insights into practice. She earned her PhD in Genetics from the University of Helsinki and completed postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. She has held senior scientific and R&D roles at Genoscoper Laboratories Oy, a pioneer in panel genetic testing for companion animals (MyDogDNA and MyCatDNA tests), as well as at Wisdom Panel and Mars Petcare Science & Diagnostics, where she contributed to the development and commercialization of companion animal genetic tests. She has served as an advisor to the EveryCat Health Foundation and Meidän Eläinsäätiö, and her work spans international collaborations across industry, academia, and the companion animal community. Her publications have influenced European legislation on animal health and breeding practices.
Based in Finland, Heidi shares her life with Bebe a Cirneco dell’Etna she has selectively bred over four generations for optimal health and everyday-friendly behavior while preserving breed standards. Her lifelong passion for animals led her in her youth to take her own and neighbors’ dogs on long walks, ensuring active pets got the exercise and engagement they needed. Today, she enjoys competitive lure coursing with her Cirneco and practices Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reflecting her peaceful and intentional approach to life while advancing the health and well-being of pets and their owners.
