In this week’s feature, we talk to Jim Johnson, Idiopathic Epilepsy Study Coordinator at the Canine Genetics Centre (CGC). Jim joined the team over three years ago, not long after its move to the University of Cambridge. Working closely with Dr Sally Ricketts and Dr Chris Jenkins in the idiopathic epilepsy team, Jim liaises with dog owners, breeders, and vets to encourage participation in epilepsy research. We spoke to Jim about his work and how his Border Collie, Nell, ensures he never sits still for long.
“My job at the CGC is about raising awareness of idiopathic epilepsy research and making participation as easy as possible. This means designing posters, flyers and questionnaires, writing emails and website text, sending out swab kits, and answering owners’ questions about how their dog’s DNA can help us understand this condition. I also work in the lab, processing samples and extracting DNA.”
“We are incredibly lucky to have such dedicated dog owners and breed communities supporting us. Their willingness to provide cheek swabs makes this research possible,” he said.
In addition to his work at the CGC, Jim is also a science writer and editor. He finds this experience especially useful for his role at the CGC: “Whether I’m writing emails or editing environmental policy reports, my goal is the same – to make science clear and engaging,” he said.
From swabs to strides: a relay for research
Jim’s work has led to several unexpected connections. When Eloise, a dog owner who had lost her Border Collie to epilepsy, had the idea of running a relay race in her dog’s memory, Jim and three CGC colleagues didn’t need any convincing to join in.
“It was an unforgettable day – so much energy and enthusiasm all around! Most importantly, it gave Eloise a way to honour her dog’s memory while also supporting epilepsy research through the sponsorship raised by the team,” Jim recalled.
Write, research, run, repeat
Outside of work, Jim is a keen runner. “Running is a big part of my life,” he said. His Border Collie, Nell, is his running partner, and together they recently placed 4th in their first-ever canicross race. “There’s something special about running with a dog – the sheer joy they bring to it is infectious. No matter how I’m feeling, as soon as we go out, Nell is so excited to run that it makes me appreciate how lucky I am to be doing the same.”
Nell was also the inspiration for the epilepsy study’s logo – Jim used a photo of her as the basis for the design.
Jim and the CGC team greatly appreciate the generosity of dog owners and breeders, whose support is essential to advancing our understanding of epilepsy and improving the lives of affected dogs and their owners. Through his work, Jim helps ensure steady progress toward the idiopathic epilepsy team’s goals – one swab at a time.
