Nina Jablonski

Nina Jablonski is the Atherton Professor and Evan Pugh University Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on human evolution, skin pigmentation, primate adaptation, and the social implications of race. She holds a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Washington and an honorary DPhil from Stellenbosch University. Her work bridges science and education, including projects like the 'Finding Your Roots' curriculum, which integrates genetics and genealogy to engage youth in STEM.

Research Interests: Evolution of human skin and hair, vitamin D biology, primate evolution, and dismantling racial constructs. Her studies highlight how skin pigmentation evolved as an adaptation to UV radiation, linking environmental factors to health outcomes like vitamin D deficiency. She also explores the historical and social dimensions of race, advocating for evidence-based education to combat racism.

Publications span paleontology, genetics, and anthropology, with key contributions on skin color evolution and its societal impacts. Awards include the NSF Video Showcase honors and membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. She leads interdisciplinary initiatives like the 'Effects of Race' project, addressing racial inequities through scholarly collaboration.