Dana Al-Hindi

My dissertation is focused on identifying genes underlying skin pigmentation in the Khoe-San people of southern Africa. I aim to describe the genetic architecture of skin color in a highly diverse African population, so that we may better understand genome wide association (GWA) study transfer-ability across different populations and skin pigmentation evolution. It also aims to verify genes identified in our GWA study within the Khoe-San popualtion. To do so, I have been trained in CRISPR Cas-9 gene knock out using a model organism, zebrafish. I have also spent time in South Africa collecting paired saliva and phenotypic samples. Fieldwork and field training has provided opportunities to understand the complexity of story telling, sample collections, and return of results.