Houston Museum of Natural Science
Houston, Texas

How—and when—did people first come to the American continents? As researchers have worked to construct and test new models for the initial peopling of the Americas, they have increasingly incorporated ancient DNA evidence, which reveals a complex story of migrations, isolation, and adaptation.

In this talk, geneticist and bestselling author Jennifer Raff examines the strengths and weaknesses of these different models, paying special attention to findings that have emerged within the last two years. We will root our discussion in the context of the history of the discipline of anthropology: its colonial origins, and current challenges, and discuss ways to confront the legacy of harm it has caused Indigenous peoples.

This talk is presented in partnership with the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The lecture is eligible for CPE credits.

About the speaker

Dr. Jennifer Raff is an anthropological geneticist and science writer. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the book Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas. Dr. Raff is a Professor of Anthropology at the University of Kansas with a dual PhD in anthropology and genetics and over fourteen years of experience in researching ancient and modern human DNA from the Americas. She works with tribes and communities across North America to use ancient and contemporary genomes as tools for investigating historical questions. Her research focuses on the initial peopling of the Americas as well as more recent histories in the North American Arctic and mid-continent.

Sponsors

This lecture is generously sponsored by the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, Camilla and George Smith, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.