Dr. Dunston

Dr. Georgia Mae Dunston, the founding Director of the National Humane Genome Research Center lectured on the importance of the human genome and how we as people must tap in to our entire genome instead of only using a small percentage of our genetic makeup. I learned that the research center was the only one of its kind to be on a college campus. The genome is opening up doors to worlds of knowledge that scientists never knew existed. Our genomes are what makes up the lifestyles we live and our behaviors as human beings. It is mostly important for us as African Americans because our ancestors were very strong and resourceful individuals; if we can tap into the genome in its entirety we have the ability to be very powerful individuals.

            She explained that when we have located and utilized the entire percentage of our genome instead of the small percent we have been using, we can truly live life fully; until then we are not reaching our potential of living a full life. She used the genome analogy to relate to our experience at Howard University. She was explaining to us that we are all here at this time for a reason and that we must take full advantage of it. 


Erin White