December
5, 2006
Oakton Students to Participate in DNA Study
Fifty Oakton Community College students are signed up to participate in a global study that researchers hope will shed light on their genetic heritage. Sponsored by the National Geographic Society, the five-year project is designed to assemble the world's largest collection of DNA samples, to determine how humankind populated the planet.
Students will share the results of National Geographic's genographic project during Cultures Week, Oakton's annual celebration of diversity, March 5 - 8, 2007. As part of their presentation, study results will be displayed on a migratory route map of the world.
National Geographic is attempting to collect and analyze more than 100,000 DNA samples worldwide, making it the largest anthropological study of its kind. Results will chart global patterns to determine humankind's migratory history.
"This is an historic and exciting opportunity for students to better understand the evolution of the human species," says Gwen Nyden, Oakton professor of sociology. "This project also will help students see how disciplines are working together to build a knowledge base about our deep ancestral roots," added Marilee McGowan, Oakton professor of English.
Participants are required to register at the National Geographic Web site by ordering a DNA kit and submitting a DNA specimen for analysis. The purchase of student kits was subsidized by a generous grant from Oakton's Board of Student Affairs.
For more information, contact Gwen Nyden at gnyden@oakton.edu, or Marilee McGowan at mcgowan@oakton.edu. Details on the study can be found on the Web at www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/atlas.html.
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Oakton Students to Participate in DNA Study
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