Our laboratory uses ancient DNA and modern genomics to study human population history


Our research

Tracing the genetic histories of the Caribbean and Latin America

We combine genetic and anthropological perspectives to understand how historical and evolutionary processes impact human biological diversity, culture and health.

We are especially interested in revisiting colonial narratives about historically excluded communities across the Americas.

Teaching and Mentoring

We train students and junior researchers from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences

Our team is committed to advancing ethical research practices, diversity and equity in anthropological genetics.

In the News

Engage with media coverage about our research

Our 2020 study was beautifully described by Ed Yong, science writer for The Atlantic in his piece How Ancient DNA Can Help Recast Colonial History. The article details our main findings and its ramifications for reconstructing the pre-contact histories of Puerto Ricans and other Caribbean islanders

You can also read more about our lab’s current research projects in this article by the UMN College of Liberal Arts Genetics Lab to Revisit the Past.

We are part of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities