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