معرفی
Beth Shapiro is a Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. She leads the Paleogenomics Lab, specializing in reconstructing evolutionary processes using ancient genetic material from plants and animals. Her work bridges paleontology, conservation biology, and genomics to understand species adaptation and ecosystem dynamics over millennia.
Shapiro’s research focuses on using ancient DNA to explore climate change impacts, species migration, and extinction mechanisms. She has pioneered methods for analyzing degraded genetic material, contributing to breakthroughs in de-extinction technologies and conservation strategies for endangered species. Her lab’s interdisciplinary approach combines fieldwork, genomic sequencing, and computational analysis.
She is a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Investigator and 2009 MacArthur Fellow, recognized for her scientific contributions and public engagement. Notable accolades include membership in the National Academy of Sciences (2025), American Academy of Arts & Sciences (2023), and AAAS Fellow status. Shapiro also authored Life as We Made It, exploring humanity’s historical role in shaping biodiversity.
Currently on leave, she serves as Chief Science Officer at Colossal Biosciences, advancing genetic rescue and de-extinction projects. Her work highlights the application of genomic insights to modern ecological challenges, emphasizing the interplay between historical patterns and future conservation efforts.
