EVENTS

From One, Many: Understanding our Ancestors

What can science tell us about our ancestors? Explore the role of DNA in tracing human ancestry and origins. At 12 Noon, Dr. Matthew George, a geneticist at Howard University, will present his talk, "Mitochondrial Eve: The Mother of Us All" which explores the origins of mankind.

Throughout the day, visitors can participate in hands-on science activities including extracting their own DNA from cheek cells.  Visitors are encouraged to view the online display of A Portrait Collection of African Americans in Science, Engineering, and Medicine and tour the museums' exhibits.

Speakers:

Matthew George Jr., Ph.D. is an Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Howard University, College of Medicine.  Dr. George's research interests and projects are varied.  However, he has made significant contributions to molecular studies of mitochondrial DNA evolution that traced the history of all humans back to a common ancestor that lived in Africa ~200,000 years ago.  These studies led to the "Eve hypothesis" for the origin of humankind.  Dr. George has participated as a senior scientist on the African Burial Ground Project and found that most of the 200 year skeletal remains could be traced back to West African geographical regions. 

Please note: Dr. Agnes Day will be rescheduling her talk for a later date.
Agnes A. Day, Ph.D. received her BS degree in Biology from Bethune-Cookman College, Daytona Beach Florida in 1974.  She then entered a Master's degree program at Howard University and subsequently received her Ph. D. degree in Microbiology in 1984.  Her specialty area in Microbiology was Medical Mycology.  She is currently Chairman of the Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine at Howard University.  Her research interests include mechanisms of drug resistance in fungi, the molecular biology of bone and connective tissue proteins, the development of animal models of metastatic breast cancer, and the molecular characterization of the aggressive phenotype of breast cancer in African American Women. 

This program is being held as part of the African American History Program of the National Academies.  The program's goal is to heighten awareness of the contributions of outstanding African-Americans to science, engineering, and medicine and the nation's welfare.

Museum Location Located at the corner of 6th and E Streets, NW in downtown Washington, DC the Marian Koshland Science Museum is within walking distance of the National Mall, two Metro stations, the Verizon Center, and several other museums and attractions.