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. In 2024, Maria was featured on the PBS documentary Voces American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos
You can learn more about our lab’s current research projects by reading this article by the UMN College of Liberal Arts Genetics Lab to Revisit the Past and listening to our interview in Episode 66 of the AnthroBiology podcast Working with ancient DNA and descendant communities in Peru.
We are part of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities
