Dr. Julia Labadie is an expert in epidemiology and genetics, specializing in the genetic and environmental risk factors for human and canine cancers. She earned her Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) in Epidemiology from Emory University and completed the combined DVM/PhD program at Colorado State University, where she obtained her PhD in Epidemiology. Dr. Labadie further refined her expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, where her research focused on lymphoma and other cancers.

A passionate advocate for canine health, Dr. Labadie’s dedication is deeply personal. After losing three Golden Retrievers to hemangiosarcoma, she is driven to prevent other families from facing similar losses. This experience fuels her commitment to advancing research into the causes and prevention of cancer in dogs, particularly Golden Retrievers.

As the Scientific Director of the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study at Morris Animal Foundation, Dr. Labadie leads one of the world’s largest and most comprehensive prospective canine health studies. The study aims to identify genetic, environmental, lifestyle, and nutritional risk factors for cancer and other diseases in Golden Retrievers. It also maintains an extensive biobank and data repository that supports scientists worldwide and advances both canine and human cancer research.

Dr. Labadie has co-authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and has been an invited lecturer at multiple institutions, sharing her expertise in cancer epidemiology and veterinary medicine. She has contributed to the academic community by advising master’s and PhD committees, serving on scientific grant review panels, and mentoring students at all career stages. In addition to her research and leadership roles, Dr. Labadie continues to work as a relief veterinarian, staying connected to the day-to-day care of animals.

Outside of work, Dr. Labadie is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys mountain biking, hiking, trail running, skiing, and camping. These passions allow her to maintain balance while staying connected to nature.

Dr. Labadie remains deeply committed to advancing animal health and improving the lives of pets through cutting-edge research and scientific discovery.