Fernando Villanea

Fernando Villanea is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, specializing in population genetics with a focus on human pre-history. His research investigates Neanderthal-human admixture and the adaptive roles of archaic genetic variants in modern populations, particularly in the Americas. He holds a Ph.D. from Washington State University (2016).

Dr. Villanea’s work combines ancient and modern DNA analysis with computational models to explore demographic histories and evolutionary processes. His lab studies archaic introgression impacts on human adaptation, including how Neanderthal and Denisovan genes influenced traits in American populations. He emphasizes ethical research practices, particularly collaboration with Indigenous communities in genomic studies.

Key research areas include: (1) genomic methods for tracing archaic admixture, (2) genetic diversity in pre-Hispanic populations, and (3) evolutionary forces shaping human and non-human species (e.g., sweat bees). His 2024 study on MUC19 gene evolution highlights recurrent introgression events, while 2023 work addresses pharmacogenetic implications of archaic variants.

• Labs/Teams: Fernando Villanea’s Lab at the University of Colorado
• Grants/Advising: Advises graduate and undergraduate students in Boulder, CO, focusing on population genomics and evolutionary methods.