Ancestry and Identity

Presented by Personal Genetics Education & Dialogue (PGED), Harvard Medical School

Technological developments in genetics have enabled people to learn about their ancestry and connect with relatives around the globe. This program explores the science and limitations of genetic testing for ancestry and family history purposes. Participants will examine the impact that direct-to-consumer ancestry tests can have on their personal, familial, and cultural identities.

Presenter: Dr. Rob O’Malley grew up in Prince George’s County and graduated from Eleanor Roosevelt High School.  Today he is a biological anthropologist who works to support inclusive and impactful conversations about science and society on behalf of Personal Genetics Education and Dialogue (PGED), a program based at Harvard Medical School. He is a regular participant in activities of the MD STEM Festival, including Rockville Science Day and other community engagement activities in Montgomery County, in Baltimore, and elsewhere in the DMV area. 

Learn more about PGED at www.PGED.org