Seeing what everyone sees but thinking what no one has thought: Doing better science with my grandmother's wisdom

As humans we evolved and survived because we are curious and critical thinkers. How do those traits shape our science and lives and lead us to understand the world around us? Epigenetics, a new area of science, is the weaving of our genetics and environment in shaping who we are. This talk will explore the impact of trauma and war on our bodies and what we can do about it. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Dr. Rana Dajani is a professor of Molecular Biology at Hashemite University, Jordan and has been a visiting professor at Harvard, MIT, Cambridge, and Yale. Dr. Dajani’s career has focused upon genetics research within Jordanian populations, refugee women and children’s health and wellbeing, and transdisciplinary scientific approaches. Dr. Dajani is listed as one of 100 most influential Arab Women and has received awards and fellowships through UNHCR, The Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Robert Bosch Stiftung, Fulbright, and many more. In addition, Dr. Dajani is invested in social change through her non-profit We Love Reading to promote literacy and change in underserved communities, which has spread to 60+ countries.

In-person information: February 5th, 2025, 3-5pm, AP246

Zoom Link: https://utoronto.zoom.us/j/85494562243 Meeting ID: 854 9456 2243

Passcode: 517808