Heather Huson, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Animal Science, Cornell University
Dr Heather Huson is a molecular geneticist who specializes in the use of genomic tools to identify population structure, including measures of inbreeding and the identification of genetic lineages. My work also entails the mapping of phenotypic traits (performance, disease, morphology) to associated genetic loci, therefore identifying diagnostic markers and causative mutations for breed management. I have a diverse background in veterinary and wildlife rehabilitation as well as extensive wildlife, dog, and livestock genetics research which allows me to adapt techniques from each discipline to meet the objectives of my research projects. I spent over 25 years competitively racing Alaskan sled dogs, and a large part of my genetics research has been focused on studies of genetic ancestry and the genetic basis of performance. My current research includes the genetic improvement of cattle and goats targeting improved productivity while maintaining local adaptation. I believe that both population and molecular genetics are essential tools in the design and implemtation of breeding programs that aim to improve and maintain the genetic health of dogs, at both the level of the individual and the breed.
Select Publications
Heather J Huson, BM vonHoldt, M Rimbault, AM Byers, JA Runstadler, HG Parker, and EA Ostrander. 2012. Breed-specific ancestry studies and genome-wide association analysis highlight an association between the MYH9 gene and heat tolerance in Alaskan sprint racing sled dogs. Mammalian Genome 23: 1-2: 178-194.
Heather J Huson, AM Byers, J Runstadler, and EA Ostrander. 2011. An SNP within the angiotensin-converting enzyme distinguishes between sprint and distance performing Alaskan sled dogs in a candidate gene analysis. J Heredity 102 (Supp 1): 519-527. (pdf)
Heather J Huson, HG Parker, J Runstadler, and EA Ostrander. 2010. A genetic dissection of breed composition and performance enhancement in the Alaskan sled dog. BMC Genetics 2010, 11:71 (pdf)
Elaine A Ostrander, HJ Huson, and GK Ostrander. 2009. Genetics of athletic performance. Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics 10: 407-429.
Heather J Huson, AM Byers, J Runstadler, and EA Ostrander. 2011. An SNP within the angiotensin-converting enzyme distinguishes between sprint and distance performing Alaskan sled dogs in a candidate gene analysis. J Heredity 102 (Supp 1): 519-527. (pdf)
Heather J Huson, HG Parker, J Runstadler, and EA Ostrander. 2010. A genetic dissection of breed composition and performance enhancement in the Alaskan sled dog. BMC Genetics 2010, 11:71 (pdf)
Elaine A Ostrander, HJ Huson, and GK Ostrander. 2009. Genetics of athletic performance. Annual Review of Genomics and Human Genetics 10: 407-429.
