Dr. Maria Nieves Colon

This laboratory uses ancient DNA and modern genomics tools to study human population history. They combine genetic and anthropological perspectives to understand how evolutionary and historical processes, such as migration, admixture, adaptation, and colonialism have impacted the biological diversity, culture, and health of human communities. The group is especially interested in the pre- and post-colonial histories of the Caribbean and Latin America. They use MSI's computational resources for processing genomic datasets generated from ancient and present-day human populations.

Current projects include:

• A ancient-DNA study investigating the history and health of enslaved African and African descended laborers in 18th-century Peru
• A study of ancestry and admixture among present-day Afro-Caribbean communities
• A study that combines ancient genomics and archaeology to reconstruct the settlement of the ancient Caribbean