Genetic variation of pastoralist populations in Kenya:
Human populations in Africa are the most genetically diverse in the world, having a rich evolutionary history, and yet are severely understudied. Specifically, the genetics between and among pastoralist populations in northern Kenya are largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to understand the biological history of the people of northern Kenya, particularly clans of the Turkana, Samburu, Rendille, and Borana. This study aims to measure the extent of variation among several genetic systems (Y chromosome, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA) in the people of these regions, with the goal to better understand the broader evolutionary history of these populations and to add to the current knowledge of population genetics in Africa. This project is in collaboration with both Dr. Sarah Mathew, Assistant Professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University, and Dr. Melissa Wilson Sayres, Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at Arizona State University.