Evolutionary Molecular Biologist & Ancient DNA Expert; Chief Scientific Officer at Colossal Biosciences; Author of "How to Clone a Mammoth"; Professor at UC Santa Cruz
Beth Shapiro Biography
Dr. Beth Shapiro is an evolutionary molecular biologist specializing in ancient DNA and paleogenomics. A MacArthur "Genius Grant" Award winner and National Geographic Explorer, Shapiro has contributed to advancements in ancient DNA research and paleogenomics. During her doctoral studies as a Rhodes Scholar at the University of Oxford, Shapiro generated the first DNA data from a dodo, determining that the species was a type of pigeon. At Oxford, she participated in projects that sequenced the first whole genome from an extinct species, the mammoth, and extracted DNA directly from sediments.
Shapiro's academic work focuses on the genetics of ice age animals and plants. As Professor of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UC Santa Cruz and an HHMI Investigator, she uses DNA from bones and other remains to study species evolution and the impact of human activities on biodiversity. Shapiro developed experimental and computational tools to address population-scale questions using ancient DNA, revealing that the American bison nearly went extinct alongside other Ice Age species such as mammoths, North American horses, and giant bears. She has published more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts in journals including Science, Nature, and Cell, and is an elected Fellow of the California Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences. Shapiro is also a member of the National Academy of Sciences.
As an author, Shapiro has written "How to Clone a Mammoth: The Science of De-Extinction" and "Life as We Made It: How 50,000 Years of Human Innovation Refined — and Redefined — Nature." "Life as We Made It" examines genetic modification in the context of history, archaeology, paleontology, and genomics. Shapiro is recognized for making complex science accessible to general audiences and is a frequent speaker at scientific festivals, universities, and media platforms.
Shapiro took a leave from her faculty position to join Colossal Biosciences as Chief Scientific Officer, overseeing de-extinction and conservation science teams. Her team announced the de-extinction of the dire wolf, using ancient DNA, CRISPR genome editing, and the genomes of modern relatives to reintroduce lost traits and create animals suited for contemporary ecosystems. Colossal Biosciences is also working on projects involving the woolly mammoth and the dodo.
Shapiro engages with mainstream audiences on topics such as de-extinction, ancient DNA, and conservation genetics, including appearances on the "Huberman Lab" podcast. Her work with the nonprofit Revive & Restore extends her research in biodiversity and conservation. Shapiro continues to contribute to the fields of evolutionary biology, genomics, and conservation science through her research, writing, and public engagement.
Beth Shapiro Videos
Beth Shapiro: The ancient DNA pioneer’s mission to bring back the dodo
The extraction of genetic material from archaeological remains, known as ancient DNA, is helping scientists gain insights into our distant past. With...
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Beth Shapiro is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Animals & Wildlife, Biology, Conservation, Culture, Professors, Science -
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Beth Shapiro is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Beth Shapiro for your event is available upon request. Beth Shapiro generally travels from Santa Cruz, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Sarah B. Hrdy, Nalini Nadkarni, Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant, Thomas Crowther and Danni Washington. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Beth Shapiro for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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