By Subject Humanities and Social Sciences Jackson to direct UNC’s Institute of African-American Research
| Jackson to direct UNC’s Institute of African-American Research |
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| Tuesday, July 21, 2009 | |||||
Jackson recently was appointed director of UNC’s Institute of African American Research, which advances and connects scholarly investigation on campus of the history, experiences, biology, culture and thought of people of African descent, particularly black Americans. The institute conducts research; holds conferences and seminars on research findings; awards competitive research grants; and offers fellowships for faculty and internships for students. An expert on the health of African Americans and Africans, Jackson also will be an anthropology professor in UNC’s College of Arts and Sciences. She has studied genetics, demographics history and dietary patterns and researched health disparities. Conducting research in Africa, she cofounded the first human DNA bank on the continent. The bank has archived more than 2,000 DNA samples, which will help with studies of African heritage. Already, Jackson has spearheaded development of a periodic e-newsletter from the institute, Carolina Catalyst, which she said is being distributed to black alumni and faculty, staff, students and institutes across the country that work in the area of African American research. Institute of African American Research Web site: http://www.unc.edu/iaar/ Note: Jackson can be reached at (919) 843-1898 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it News Services contact: LJ Toler, (919) 962-8589 |
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