IBM SCIENTIST, COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGIST, GIVES FREE PUBLIC LECTURE AT WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE ON TUESDAY, APRIL 27

WHAT: IBM scientist Dr. Ajay Royyuru will present a lecture to students at Westchester Community College on his team’s current research with the Genographic Project – the global, anthropological research initiative with National Geographic to map humankind’s ancient migratory routes. Students from the college’s Kathryn Davis Global Scholars Program submitted their DNA to the Genographic Project and received their personal results on the Genographic Project website. Dr. Royyuru will help the students understand their results and provide the audience with an understanding of how science is providing a true “snapshot” of man’s first migrations out of Africa and around the globe 60,000 years ago.

WHEN: Tuesday, April 27, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE: Academic Arts Building Theatre, Westchester Community College, 75 Grasslands Road, Valhalla, NY

Interview Availability: April 27 (In person) and Ongoing Scheduled Phone Availability

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

Attend the lecture where Dr. Royyuru and students who have participated in the Genographic Project will discuss the students’ results and explore questions such as: Where are we from and how did we get to where we live today? And why, despite our diverse appearances, are we all are part of the same family tree and share common origins?
Join this journey across the globe tracing migrations of our ancient ancestors using genetic signposts carried in the DNA of people living today. The research reveals how the incredible tapestry of human diversity has been created through this epic odyssey.
Take part - Media may also request to “swab” and discover their personal deep ancestry with the Genographic Project Public Participation Kit.

ABOUT THE GENOGRAPHIC PROJECT………

The Genographic Project seeks to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species and answer age-old questions surrounding the genetic diversity of humanity. The project is a not-for-profit, multi-year, global research partnership of National Geographic and IBM, launched in 2005, using genetics as a tool to address anthropological questions on a global scale. At the core of the project is a consortium of eleven global regional scientific teams who, following an ethical and scientific framework, are responsible for sample collection and DNA analysis in their respective regions. The project is open to members of the public to participate through purchasing a public participation kit from the Genographic web site, where they can also choose to donate their genetic results to the expanding database. Proceeds from kit sales support the field research and a Legacy Fund for indigenous and traditional community-led language revitalization and cultural projects — www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic.

WHO: Dr. Ajay Royyuru heads the Computational Biology Center at IBM’s Thomas J. Watson Research Center, where he leads 35 researchers in a wide range of projects that include bioinformatics, structural biology, life sciences research on BlueGene supercomputer, functional genomics, systems biology and medical informatics. Royyuru is the lead scientist for IBM on the Genographic Project, working closely with National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Spencer Wells and the distinguished team of field researchers who collaborate globally with indigenous and traditional peoples and conduct DNA testing. At IBM, he currently focuses on combined research at the interface of information technology and biology. Working with biologists and institutions around the world, Royyuru is engaged in research and development of computer and software systems that will advance personalized, information-based medicine.

ABOUT WESTCHESTER COMMUNITY COLLEGE and THE KATHRYN W. DAVIS SCHOLARS PROGRAM………

Westchester Community College is the largest educational institution in the county. Later this year, the college will open The Gateway Center, a new 70,000 square-foot landmark designed by the esteemed architectural firm, The Polshek Partnership. This impressive structure will house the county’s largest English language acquisition program, educational opportunities for budding entrepreneurs, Business and Foreign Language programs, Volunteer Corps and more. Gateway academic programming will be as groundbreaking as the architecture is dramatic – new classrooms, state-of-the-art labs, and interdisciplinary academic space will be showcased in the structure. This new resource will offer learning opportunities in a dynamic environment, promoting economic development in the county, creating unprecedented synergy, and adding cultural richness to the main campus in Valhalla.

Now in its third year, the Kathryn W. Davis Global Community Scholarship Fund brings together twenty students from diverse backgrounds for education, international understanding, exchange, and service. These scholars, selected for their remarkable commitment, extraordinary leadership, and academic excellence, receive full payment of tuition and fees. By participating in workshops, seminars, and community service projects designed to enlighten them about global and local issues, they are provided with an exceptional educational and personal growth experience.

For Genographic interviews, images, b-roll and press inquiries: Glynnis Breen at gbreen@ngs.org or 202-857-7481

For Westchester Community College information, please contact Patrick.hennessey@sunywcc.edu or phone 914-606-6638.