Good Housekeeping x Purina present Women in Science
Good Housekeeping has been committed to science-backed reporting and reviews for over 100 years. Since our first GH Experiment Station launched in 1900, science has been at the foundation of everything we do here. And using rigorous research and analysis to inform, educate and inspire readers continues to be a guiding principle for us.
In our new series Women in Science, we're shining a spotlight on innovators leading change in their respective fields. This month, we’ve partnered with GH Seal holder Purina — another company that shares a passion for science, research and evidence-backed products — to celebrate these standout scientists, who are making a profound difference in our everyday lives. Simply put, for these four pioneers in pet health and behavior, your pet’s health is their passion.
CALLIE HARRIS, D.V.M.
Harris, who admits to having always been “a bit nuts about animals,” helps other vets stay informed and educates pet-care professionals and pet owners about the importance of proper nutrition and care.
•Best workday ever: “Recently I did a livestream talking about all things puppy and kitten — while playing with puppies and kittens!”
•Professional aha: “Less than 2% of veterinarians identify as Black. I try to be a positive influence and a mentor to others pursuing the career.”
•Using her training at home: “Raising a 2-year-old sometimes reminds me of being in a veterinary practice: There are days when you have to think outside the box to solve a problem and just get dirty.”
SHERI SMITHEY, PH.D.
“I help lead our incredible team of scientists to imagine a future where a problem that impacts the lives of pets or their owners is solved,” says Smithey. “Our job is to make that future a reality.”
•Most exciting discovery: “My team developed a solution to help aging dogs with cognitive decline. The improvement for the dog and resulting impact on the pet and owner bond was remarkable.”
•Intriguing field of study: “Understanding the many ways gut health impacts the brain, the heart and even emotional well-being will help us lead longer, fuller lives, whether we have two legs or four.”
•Green your routine: “Something as simple as consistently recycling packaging, including pet food cans, can make a big difference.”
BRITTANY VESTER BOLER, PH.D.
“Our products must do what we say they do to fuel the health and lives of dogs and cats,” says Boler. “I help our scientists formulate plans for how their concepts will be scientifically evaluated.”
•Best aspect of her job: “Being part of innovation from research to product development is very rewarding. Validating our science through trials is a critical step to putting life-changing nutrition in the bowls of pets.”
•To promote gender equity: “We all should check our assumptions about whom we expect to see in STEM jobs. Those of us in the field should celebrate our female peers’ work and find ways to reward them.”
•Spot science everywhere: “When I speak to undergraduates, I tell them how many STEM-related paths there are into the pet-care industry. Every industry needs people with a STEM background, and identifying those roles will help young women know the careers exist.”
ANNIE VALUSKA, PH.D.
Valuska shares her understanding of how cats and dogs experience the world with colleagues to ensure that Purina meets their needs. “I get to be the voice of pets,” she says.
•First science job: “I studied birds at the Bowdoin Scientific Station on Kent Island, which had no hot water and limited electricity. It taught me a lot about the research process and about myself — for example, I can make it 10 days without a shower!”
•Meaningful work experience: “Helping design New York City’s first domestic violence shelter that admits survivors and their pets. So many people fail to leave abusive relationships out of concern for their pets’ safety. The work Purina is doing in this space through the Purple Leash Project is so important.”
•How to keep girls interested in STEM: “Share in their excitement. My dad was my partner in crime as I patrolled the yard for toads or cool insects. My mom leveraged her love of reading to find me great books on animals I was obsessed with.”
