National Geographic Explorer to deliver Convocation Lecture

Dr. Spencer Wells Dr. Wells, a National Geographic explorer-in-residence and director of National Geographic and IBM’s Genographic Project, will present “Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 in King Concert Hall at SUNY Fredonia’s Rockefeller Arts Center. The Journey of Man: read more about this.   President Dennis L. Hefner is shown participating in the Genographic Project, which uses DNA as a study tool to map how humankind populated the planet. The project is headed by population geneticist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, Dr. Spencer Wells, who will discuss how science allows us to trace President Hefner’s and over 250,000 other global participants’ ancient migratory patterns. Dr. Wells gives the annual Maytum Convocation Lecture on Wednesday, Nov. 7 at 4 p.m. in King Concert Hall, entitled, “Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project.”

An in-depth look an intense project designed to capture a genetic snapshot of humanity will be offered as leading population geneticist Dr. Spencer Wells delivers the 2007 Maytum Convocation Lecture at the State University of New York at Fredonia.

Utilizing images and stories from his extensive travels, Dr. Wells will visit SUNY Fredonia as a Williams Distinguished Visiting Professor.

Dr. Wells, a National Geographic explorer-in-residence and director of National Geographic and IBM’s Genographic Project, will present “Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project” at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 7 in King Concert Hall at SUNY Fredonia’s Rockefeller Arts Center. This will be a National Geographic Live event.

Where do we really come from and how did we populate the planet? DNA studies suggest that all humans today descend from a group of African ancestors who – about 60,000 years ago – began a remarkable journey. Dr. Wells spends much of his time traveling the globe collaborating with indigenous and traditional peoples in order to unravel the secrets of our collective human story. By using DNA as a study tool, Dr. Wells and his team are filling in the gaps of humankind’s journey, and will conduct the largest anthropological survey of human genetic diversity ever undertaken.

The Genographic Project represents the ultimate marriage of Dr. Wells’ two great passions, biology and history. The scientist, author, and documentary filmmaker has dedicated much of his career to studying humankind’s family tree and closing the gaps in our knowledge of human migration. His hope is that the Genographic Project will capture an invaluable genetic snapshot of humanity before modern-day influences erase it forever. The venture builds on Dr. Wells’ earlier work, as featured in the book and television program, “The Journey of Man.” He is the recipient of numerous scientific awards, grants and fellowships, including the 2007 Kistler Prize for accomplishment in the field of genetics. In the past year, his work has taken him to over a dozen countries, including Chad, Tajikistan, Morocco, and French Polynesia. He recently published his second book, “Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project.”

The Maytum Convocation Lecture is a free, general admission event. However, tickets are required. Tickets are available at the SUNY Fredonia Ticket Office in the Williams Center. The phone numbers are 716-673-3501 or 1-866-441-4928.