The Utah State University Museum of Anthropology Saturday’s at the Museum series hosts noted scholar Dennis O’Rourke, professor of anthropology at the University of Utah, as a guest speaker in the Saturdays at the Museum series and an earlier presentation. O’Rourke first speaks, Friday, Nov. 6, at 11:30 a.m., and then Saturday, Nov. 7, at 1 p.m.

 

“Dr. O’Rourke is a respected scholar and expert on ancient DNA,” said USU student and Saturday’s program planner Deborah Neville. “He and his archaeologist colleagues use DNA to evaluate the genetic histories of populations.”

 

During both lecture sessions, O’Rourke will discuss his work with ancient and modern DNA in Alaska, focusing on how the use of ancient and modern genetic data can identify signatures in population migration, colonization and expansion in the North American High Arctic. Friday’s lecture session starts at 11:30 a.m. and will be held in the Engineering Building, Room 101. Saturday’s session starts at 1 p.m. and is held in the Museum of Anthropology, Old Main, Room 252.

 

“Professor O’Rourke is doing amazing things in his field and we’re so excited that he is coming to share his research with us,” said Neville. “This is a great opportunity for us to hear a little more about the innovative work being done in anthropology.”

 

USU students and members of the public are invited to attend these lectures and visit the museum anytime during the 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday hours.

 

Funding for the event is made possible by a grant from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. More information about the IMLS and its grants is available online (www.imls.gov).

 

For information on USU’s Museum of Anthropology, visit its Web site. For information on the guest or Saturday activity, contact the museum, 435-797-7545.

 

 

Source: Museum of Anthropology