Bridgett vonHoldt

I am an Assistant Professor of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at Princeton University investigating the molecular changes that occurred during the domestication of wolves into dogs, as well as uncovering the evolutionary history of North America’s canine species. This research has applications in biodiversity preservation and endangered species policy, and could shed light on the extent to which humanity can change the environment and the species they come into contact with.

Although I am actually a cat person, my career in canine genetics began during my Ph.D. at UCLA in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. I adopted my first dog in October 2016, Marla, the English Sheepdog. I've published on the genetics of wild and domestic canines. My work has been covered by exciting news outlets, such as The New York Times, Science Magazine, Science Daily and National Geographic.

December 2015