Ripan S Malhi

Ripan S Malhi is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois, with additional appointments in Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior; the American Indian Studies Program; and the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology. His research focuses on genomic studies of human and animal populations, emphasizing ancient DNA analysis, population history, and Indigenous genetics.

• Expertise: Mitochondrial DNA, Native American populations, North American biodiversity, and paleogenomics.
• Affiliations: University of Illinois, Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.

Research interests include reconstructing population histories, studying ancient human-animal relationships, and investigating the genetic impacts of historical trauma. His work often involves collaboration with Indigenous communities to ensure ethical practices.

Recent studies include analyzing lion dietary habits through fossilized teeth, genomic evidence of Blackfoot Confederacy persistence, and ancient dog populations in Jamestown. He has been recognized with the AAAS Fellowship (2021) and the Robert W. Sussman Award (2022).

• Key Awards: AAAS Fellow, Robert W. Sussman Award.

His research also addresses ethical genomic practices, DNA methodology, and community partnerships. He leads projects on historical diseases like leprosy and collaborates on conservation genetics for endangered species.