Genomic Models Research Group

Mission Statement

Develop anthropologically sophisticated models to guide the study of the interaction of human molecular genetic diversity in contemporary groups with the environment.

Offer services in specialized ethnogenetic model construction to facilitate disease detection

Background

Major technological innovations in molecular biology have accelerated the need for more sophisticated anthropological models to guide the assessment of human biodiversity. Since 1992, our research group has had, as its primary goal, the development of biocultural tools and techniques that facilitate the study of variations in human health and microevolution. We specialize in the development of models to clarify gene-environment interactions. Typically our models integrate biological, demographic, historic, geographic, and ethnographic data to identify substructuring in complex populations. We are currently focused on the development of two specific models: Our ethnogenetic models are most applicable to well-documented, historically recent ethnic groups while our ecogenetic models are more applicable to populations who have maintained extended residence in particular ecological settings. Both models are applicable to infectious and noninfectious disease studies with genetic or non-genetic components in historical and contemporary populations. 

Applications

Genomic models are useful with:

• Organ and tissue transplantation efforts
• Environmental toxin susceptibility studies
• Chronic disease investigation
• Infectious disease vulnerability studies
• Microevolution of contemporary groups
• Lineage reconstruction

Current Projects

• Using biocultural lineage to illuminate
  underlying patterns of variation in
  contemporary populations
• Redefining the biological component of
  ethnicity with a focus on disease
  epidemiology
• Developing ecological models for gene-
  culture interactions

Contact Information

Dr. Fatimah L.C. Jackson
Genomic Models Research Group Director
Bioanthropology Research Lab
1111 Woods Hall
University of Maryland
College Park, MD 20742
301.405.7643
gmrg92@hotmail.com

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