Deborah Bolnick

Deborah Bolnick is Professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Anthropology at the University of Connecticut, specializing in genomic approaches to human evolution. Her research reconstructs population histories through ancient DNA analysis, with emphasis on Indigenous North American communities and the impacts of colonialism.

Education includes a PhD from University of California, Davis. She co-authored the book Reflections of Our Past: How Human History is Revealed in Our Genes and serves on scientific committees including the Leakey Foundation.

Research examines:

• Genetic impacts of settler colonialism
• Evolutionary anthropology methods
• Ethical frameworks for genomic research

Her publications demonstrate consistent focus on paleogenomics and ethical engagement with Indigenous communities. Awards include the 2020 Sussman Award for anthropological contributions.