This second episode of the DNA season of the National Institute of Justice's (NIJ's) Just Science podcast series is an interview with Dr. Kenneth Kidd, Professor Emeritus of Genetics at Yale University, who discusses his research in genetics, much of which has been funded by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) for nearly a decade.
The discussion focuses on his research journey, genetic mapping, and population genetics. Because of the length of time he has spent in the field of genetics research, he speaks of how genetics has provided information on what ancestors have in common and pass on to the next generation, as well as variation that creates individuality and unique features. His research career also has given him familiarity with the many sub-disciplines of DNA research. The implications of genetic ancestry that reproduces commonality in families and genetic variation that creates individuality within families has implications for forensic research and practice.