Mark Thomas PhD

Senior Lecturer

Mark Thomas' publications web page

m.thomas@ucl.ac.uk
tel: (+44)-(0)20-7679-7418
fax: (+44)-(0)20-7679-5052

The distribution of genetic variation in human populations is shaped by demographic history, natural selection, mutation and random factors. My main research interests are in the use of genetic information to examine aspects of the human past, particularly demographic history and the role of natural selection. Using the paternally inherited Y-chromosome, the maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA and neutral autosomal markers, I aim to uncover key facets of demographic history that are important to, but have remained hidden from, historians, archaeologists and anthropologists. By examining the global distribution and intraallelic variability of functionally different alleles of genes involved in the digestion, utilization and detoxification of dietary components, I aim to see if humans have adapted to changes in their ancestral diets. I am also interested in the relationships of vertebrate species using ancient and modern DNA sources.

Academic Career

1982-1986
BSc in Biological Science (Genetics) at the School of Biological Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK

1986-1990
PhD, Department of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Liverpool. Title: Copper inducible genes in the flowering plant Mimulus guttatus

1990-1993
Cancer Research Campaign funded post-doctoral research fellow. The Molecular Medicine Unit, Kings College School of Medicine and Dentistry, London

1993-1996
Wellcome Foundation Funded post-doctoral research associate, Department of Biological Anthropology, University of Cambridge

1996-present
Senior Lecturer, The Center for Genetic Anthropology , Departments of Anthropology and Biology, University College London