The Ancestry, Soil, Health, and Evolutionary Studies Laboratory
A genomics lab working to illuminate the voices of the forgotten through DNA analysis
Our Mission
Our lab advances genomics research by analyzing ancient DNA from enslaved and pioneer African American populations and modern DNA from living descendant community members, using next-generation sequencing technologies. Our particular areas of focus include ancestry-linked disease susceptibilities, gene-environment interactions, and the development of non-destructive laboratory techniques for the respectful analysis of historical populations.
We are committed to ethical, inclusive science that prioritizes historically underrepresented and marginalized communities. Through our work, we aim to advance personalized medicine and foster measurable impacts by translating our research findings into actionable insights to address health disparities. By prioritizing cultural competence and training the next generation of diverse researchers, we strive to contribute to a more equitable and inclusive future in both science and society.
Community Engagment
We collaborate directly with descendant communities ensuring that our work aligns with their cultural values and priorities. We prioritize transparent communication, protect the privacy of community data, and ensure that our findings are shared in ways that are meaningful and actionable for the communities we serve. Our commitment is to foster long-term, respectful partnerships that contribute to local health and education efforts and empower community members.
Research Projects
Bridging the Past to the Present
Our lab uncovers not just African American history, but also contributes to a broader understanding of American history through the study of genetic diversity and lived experiences of historical African American populations and their modern descendants. By exploring understudied aspects of African American genetic diversity, including admixture and ancestry-linked disease susceptibilities, our research sheds light on the transatlantic slave trade's impact and the genetic architecture of African Americans. We aim to illuminate the origins of disease susceptibilities among African-descended peoples and explore gene-environment interactions that have shaped health outcomes over generations. By doing so, we aim to strengthen connections among African diaspora communities by uncovering their shared cultural and genetic heritage.
Connecting the
Past to the Present
We connect living African Americans to their enslaved or early African American ancestors through DNA analysis.
