In early February, 200 student volunteers swabbed their cheeks to offer DNA samples as part of the Cornell Genetic Ancestry Project. On April 14 at 4:30 p.m., details on the results of this genetic testing will be revealed at a public event in Call Auditorium, Kennedy Hall.

Spencer Wells, National Geographic explorer-in-residence, director of the Genographic Project and a Frank H.T. Rhodes Class of '56 Professor at Cornell, and Charles Aquadro, director of the Cornell Center for Comparative and Population Genomics, will present a summary of the analyses of the lineages and migration stories revealed in the students' DNA, and how they fit into the picture of humanity's migration history. The Genographic Project focuses exclusively on deep ancestry genetic markers, which have no medical or clinical relevance.

Clips from a student-produced documentary will also be shown at the event; the film traces various students through their participation in the project, and depicts several students discussing why they participated and some personal stories revealed during the project.

In addition, the results from 20 teachers from local schools and 20 undergraduates from Cornell's Ujamaa Residential College will also be presented.

A book signing with Wells will immediately follow the event at 5:30 p.m.

Wells will also answer questions and sign books following a special free showing of "The Human Family Tree" April 13, 4:45 p.m. at Cornell Cinema.

Two more events, targeted to undergraduates, will feature conversations with Wells and Aquadro: "Inside the Life Studio," a live interview/discussion, hosted by Janis Whitlock, lecturer in human development, on April 10 in the High Rise 5 Sky Lounge; and "The Cornell Genetic Ancestry Project experience," hosted by Jeff Cowie, Keeton House dean, at 7:30 p.m. on April 10 in Cowie's apartment in Keeton House.

A key goal of the Cornell Genetic Ancestry Project, which is in collaboration with National Geographic scientists from the Genographic Project, is to engage the Cornell community in learning about the promise, challenges and legal and ethical implications behind genetic testing for ancestry.

Links: Clip from student video project: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZwsBawrXW8.

Cornell Genetic Ancestry Project http://3cpg.cornell.edu/index.cfm/page/AncestryProject.htm.