I study the population history and genetic diversity of Africa, human
evolution, and the evolutionary dynamics of complex disease risk. I'm
Sarah Tishkoff, a professor of genetics and biology at the UPenn School
of Medicine, AMA!
Abstract
Hi Reddit! I’m Sarah Tishkoff, a professor of genetics and biology at
the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine and School
of Arts and Sciences. My lab studies human evolution, ancestry, genetic
variation, and disease risk in populations around the world. We aim to
answer fundamental questions about human origins, focusing on Africa’s
role as the place where modern humans originated and thus the region
with the most genetic diversity. We also look at complex diseases with a
genetic influence, like heart disease and diabetes, and how historical
evolutionary pressures may have kept these relatively common in modern
populations. Next year, I’ll be joining the Board of Directors of the
American Society of Human Genetics, which meets next week in Baltimore.
If you’re interested in human genetics issues, check out the
[meeting’s agenda](:
http://www.ashg.org/2015meeting/asp/soe/webroot/soe.shtml ) and keep an
eye out for the many interesting findings that will be announced. I will
start answering questions at 1 pm Eastern (10 am Pacific, 6 pm UTC).
Thanks Reddit, I’m wrapping up now because my kids are asking where
mommy is! But I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to share my research
interests with you and if I have a chance, I’ll check back later to
answer more questions. Have a great weekend The views expressed in this
AMA are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
University of Pennsylvania or ASHG.