Darwin Day 2016 to Explore Genetic Diversity in Africa

An exploration of the rich genetic diversity of the African people will be at the center of the 2016 Darwin Day celebration on campus.

Featured speaker Dr. Sarah Tishkoff, a human evolutionary geneticist from the University of Pennsylvania, will present African Evolutionary Genomics: A Modern Look at Human Genetic Diversity on Thursday, Feb. 25, at 7 p.m. in the Power Center Ballroom. Tishkoff will discuss her work in characterizing patterns of genomic variation, ancestry and local adaptation across diverse African populations.

According to Darwin Day organizers Dr. Michael Seaman and Dr. David Lampe, all people ultimately can trace their ancestry back to Africa, the continent thought to be the homeland of modern humanity. However, the genetic diversity of this region is often not represented in human genomics studies.

“We know surprisingly little about the patterns of genetic variation within Africa, a tremendously diverse continent culturally, ethnically, linguistically,” said Seaman, associate professor of biology in the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. “Dr. Tishkoff’s research is shedding light on these patterns, which in turn can help inform us about the origins of all of humanity.”

Held annually, Duquesne’s Darwin Day is part of a series of worldwide events honoring the life and work of Charles Darwin, the founding father of evolutionary theory. The event also highlights the importance of science education by featuring presentations by evolutionary experts that anyone can attend.

Lampe, associate professor of biology in the Bayer School, believes that educational opportunities such as Darwin Day are essential in helping everyone to understand the significance of evolution and its impact on the future of our world.

“Evolution is the unifying principle underlying all fields of modern biology,” Lampe said. “It is important for the public to understand the basics and the reality of evolution as we face the many biology-related challenges ahead such as human disease, climate change and emerging viruses.“

Darwin Day is co-sponsored by the dean’s office of the Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the Center for African Studies. African Evolutionary Genomics: A Modern Look at Human Genetic Diversity is free and open to the public, with a reception to follow. To learn more, email Darwin2016@duq.edu or call 412.396.4900.