Nina Jablonski

Nina G. Jablonski is an Atherton Professor and Evan Pugh University Professor Emerita of Anthropology at The Pennsylvania State University. A biological anthropologist and paleobiologist, she studies primate and human evolution, especially adaptations to the environment.

Her research program is focused in four major areas. Her paleoanthropological research focuses primarily on the evolution of Old World monkeys, and draws upon field- and museum-based research undertaken in Africa and Asia. Her research on human adaptations to the environment centers on the evolution of human skin and skin pigmentation, including the health consequences of humanity’s mostly naked and colorful skin. The third area of research is related to the second, and is concerned with understanding the history and social consequences of skin-color-based race concepts. The fourth area of concentration is science education for youth, especially education about human evolution and human physical diversity. Jablonski has directed and continues to lead major, externally funded research projects in all of these areas.

Many of Jablonski’s activities cut across domains of basic and applied research. One of these is the large “genetics and genealogy curriculum project,” which she co-leads with Henry Louis Gates, Jr., of Harvard University. She and Gates have worked since 2007 to develop educational approaches to stimulating interest among students in pursuing STEM courses and careers, primarily by having learners study themselves and their place in evolution. More information about this research program is available at: www.fyrclassroom.org.

Jablonski also has led a scholarly initiative in South Africa, with the support of STIAS (the Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study). The “Effects of Race” (EOR) program brought together groups of senior and junior scholars from South Africa, the U.S., and Europe to discuss and formulate new approaches to the study of race and the mitigation of racism. The project has yielded three edited volumes and several contributions to The Conversation. Read more about EOR and recent updates here.