Analysis of a 17,000-year-old fossil has revealed remarkable details about the travel patterns of an Arctic woolly mammoth who, throughout its 28-year life, walked the equivalent of nearly two trips around the world.

Our most recent graduates will now embark on new careers, continue research, or continue their education pursuing advanced degrees.  Here is a sample of their exceptional work in the program and their future plans. 

Ken Rice is the new graduate program director, and Jim Hughes is program director for the MS Capstone Program.

The University of Washington Genetics Analysis Center (GAC) will serve as the Data Coordination Center (DCC) for a new Mendelian Genomics Research Consortium, aimed at increasing the number of known single-gene disorders. Cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Huntington's disease are all examples of single-gene disorders.

Faculty appointment promotions and appointments in the department for 2021 are highlighted.

Daniela Witten has been elected as a council member for the Institute of Mathematical Statistics (IMS) starting September 2021.

Sharon Browning, a professor of biostatistics at the University of Washington has been named senior editor for the Statistical Genetics and Genomics section of GENETICS, a journal published by the Genetics Society of America.

COVID-19 variants continue to emerge, including some with increased transmissibility and severity, which has contributed in many countries to a reversal of decreasing COVID-19 case counts achieved earlier this year. A New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) Special Report, just released, advocated for a global framework to monitor and evaluate these variants and to address the worldwide need for safe and effective vaccines.