Geneticist, anthropologist and National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, Spencer Wells, joins Lindblad Expeditions' journeys to the South Pacific this summer, to share his work as director of National Geographic's Genographic Project. The five-year initiative will map the journey of humans as they populated the planet.
Wells will travel aboard the National Geographic Endeavour on the July 24 (Tahiti to Cook Islands) and July 30 (Cook Islands to Fiji) departures, to discuss his work with travelers, who can contribute to this real-time research project by submitting their own DNA samples. They will have the opportunity to talk about their individual migratory histories with Spencer while onboard.
The Genographic Project is aimed at analyzing DNA and genetic markers to trace ancient human migrations across continents. Project director, Spencer Wells, has analyzed the DNA of thousands of people living in isolated tribes around the world. His book, Journey of Man, chronicles his discovery that all humans can be traced back to a tribe of hunter-gatherers who lived in Africa 60,000 years ago.
Other National Geographic experts joining Lindblad's South Pacific voyages in 2006 include writer and adventurer Jon Bowermaster (April 16, May 4, October 13 departures); anthropologist and explorer-in-residence, studying Polynesian navigation history, Wade Davis (August 10 departure); underwater photographer David Doubilet (August 26 and September 11 departures); and marine biologist and filmmaker Soames Summerhays (September 22 and 30 departures).
