My research focuses on human evolutionary genetics, with a particular emphasis on African population history. I use genome-wide data from present-day and ancient individuals to investigate how deep population structure, migration, and admixture have shaped genetic diversity across Africa. A central aim of my work is to better understand the origins and diversification of our species, Homo sapiens, within Africa, and how these processes relate to major cultural and environmental transitions.
A second core research interest is the integration of ancient DNA with archaeology, linguistics, and historical data to study demographic processes such as the spread of food production, pastoralism, and large-scale population movements, including the Bantu expansion. By combining genetic data with interdisciplinary evidence, I aim to develop more nuanced models of population interactions and continuity over time.
More recently, my research has expanded to include the evolution of pathogens and human–pathogen interactions in deep time. Using ancient DNA, I investigate past infectious diseases in Africa and how changes in lifestyle, environment, and population structure influenced pathogen emergence and spread. Overall, my work seeks to link human demographic history with health, disease, and adaptation in both past and present populations.
Group Members
Francesco Giannelli
Cecile Jolly
Bupe Kapema
Grace Kennedy
Jules Koelman
Imke Lankheet
Andrea Soler i Núñez
Johanna von Seth
Maja Vukovikj
Modeste Zeye