Spark the Future: A lifelong love of animals led Royal Canin’s Global VP, R&D, to a career in science
By Denise Elliott, Global Vice President, R&D at Royal Canin
Growing up on a farm in rural Australia, I was always surrounded by animals. In fact, some of my very first friends were animals! I felt a natural urge to care for every kitten and chicken that crossed my path. I have always known I would grow up to be a veterinarian – I never wanted to be anything else.
As I grew older, my interest in science only grew stronger. I never had any doubt I would be a veterinarian and I was so proud to graduate from veterinary school. While in veterinary school, though, I discovered an interest in specialized veterinary medicine, caring for the sickest animals. To do this, I needed further training, which led me to the U.S. I specialized in treating kidney disease. In animals, kidney disease can cause low appetites, which makes proper nutrition crucial to treatment. As I continued my work studying kidney disease, I focused on the intersection between nutrition and kidney function – and ultimately earned a PhD in nutrition.
I came to Mars to deepen my work at the intersection of nutrition and veterinary care. Mars is uniquely positioned to do this type of research – in fact, 50% of Royal Canin’s portfolio is related to veterinary diets. In my 23 years here, I have been continuously impressed by the way Mars has made investment in science a fundamental, long-term strategy. Scientific research is not a short-term undertaking. It requires a long-term commitment, something I’ve seen at Mars throughout my career here. At Mars, a commitment to science means investing in its Associates just as much as it means investing in equipment. Here, science is not just a billboard – it’s core to what we do and how we think.
I encourage young girls who are interested in science to follow their passions, like I did. If you know what you’re passionate about and you follow that passion, you’ll have a successful career. Following my passion for animals led me to Mars - a company that shares that passion. I’m so proud to be a scientist at a company where science is at the center of innovation.
