Distinguished Speakers Series - National Geographic Scientist
Previous Distinguished SpeakersFarquhar College of Arts and Sciences to Welcomed National Geographic Scientist for Talk on Human Genetics and Origins
The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences at Nova Southeastern University was proud to present “The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey,” an evening with National Geographic geneticist and anthropologist Spencer Wells, Ph.D. The event was scheduled on Thursday, October 26, 2006, from 7:30–9:00 p.m. in the Miniaci Center for the Performing Arts on NSU’s main campus. Admission was free and open to the public. Advance tickets reserve seating was from 6:30–7:00 p.m. Walk-ins were allowed after 7:00 p.m. More information about the event was available by contacting the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Office of the Dean at (954) 262-8236.
Wells is project leader for the National Geographic Society’s Genographic Project, a sweeping five-year genetic study of human migration, whose global network of research laboratories collects and analyzes DNA from cultures both near and remote. The project’s resulting genetic atlas is providing insight into the connection between modern humans and African ancestors living 60,000 years ago. In his talk, Wells will discuss how the Genographic Project has linked geneticists, archaeologists, anthropologists, climatologists, and linguists for interdisciplinary research into the origins of human identity.
“The Journey of Man: A Genetic Odyssey” is sponsored by the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences Division of Math, Science, and Technology as part of the college’s Distinguished Speakers Series. The program is presented in association with National Geographic Live!, a mission program of speakers and events that brings the National Geographic experience to communities worldwide.
Wells' research into human genetics serves as a scientific reflection on the College of Arts and Science’s 2006–2007 academic theme of “Identity.” Throughout the year, the college is exploring the various meanings and implications of “Identity” through a range of interdisciplinary programs and activities that focus insight from the humanities, social sciences, and physical sciences. In addition to campus visits by Wells and other distinguished speakers, the college has designed special courses around the theme, and incorporated it into the theatre program’s season, student-faculty reading groups, and faculty lectures.
