From Curious Kid to Genetic Legacy Builder
Rick Kittles, Ph.D
Dr. Rick Kittles, the Senior Vice President for Research at Morehouse School of Medicine and co-founder of African Ancestry, Inc., exemplifies the potential of childhood curiosity blossoming into groundbreaking scientific achievements. This revised biography, incorporating insights from reliable sources, delves deeper into his early life, education, and the milestones that shaped his remarkable career:
A Curious Start in Georgia:
Born in Sylvania, Georgia 1968 (confirmed by his LinkedIn profile), Rick spent his early years surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of the South. According to a 2004 interview with the "Columbus Dispatch," his upbringing nurtured a natural curiosity about the diverse faces and stories around him. This inquisitive spirit, instilled by a supportive family, planted the seeds for his future exploration of human origins and differences (Columbus Dispatch, 2004).
Academic Ascent and Early Research Pursuits:
Driven by his intellectual thirst, Rick pursued a Bachelor's in Biology from the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) (LinkedIn profile). During his time at RIT, he pledged to the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, honing his leadership skills and fostering a sense of community that would later influence his scientific endeavors (RIT Alumni Relations, 2023). He continued his academic journey with a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences from George Washington University, focusing his research on melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color (Encyclopedia.com, 2023). This foundational work paved the way for his later expertise in utilizing genetic analysis to trace ancestry.
From Classroom to Cutting-Edge Research:
Before immersing himself fully in research, Rick served as a high school biology teacher in New York and Washington D.C. This experience, as documented in a 2010 interview with the National Institutes of Health, equipped him with invaluable communication and mentorship skills (National Institutes of Health, 2010). He learned to translate complex scientific concepts into understandable language for diverse audiences, a talent that would become crucial in his advocacy and community engagement efforts.
Pioneering Ancestry Tracing and Health Disparities:
1998, Rick's career trajectory was pivotal when he joined Howard University. As a founding member of the National Human Genome Center at Howard University, he focused on developing ancestry-informative genetic markers to trace the African ancestry of individuals (Wikipedia, 2023). His pioneering methods empowered individuals to connect with their deep historical roots while providing valuable insights into population genetics and human migration patterns (Kittles et al., 2003).
A Journey Through Renowned Institutions:
Rick's impactful work continued at various prestigious institutions. He held faculty positions at Ohio State University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago, further refining his expertise in genetic ancestry research. At the City of Hope National Medical Center, his focus shifted to understanding health disparities, mainly focusing on prostate cancer risk in African American men (Morehouse School of Medicine, 2023). He established the Division of Health Equities at City of Hope, demonstrating his commitment to translating scientific findings into tangible improvements for underserved communities.
Leading the Way at Morehouse School of Medicine:
In 2022, Rick assumed the role of Senior Vice President for Research at Morehouse School of Medicine, a historically Black medical school. This appointment, highlighted by MSM News, signifies his deep commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in scientific leadership and research while upholding Morehouse's mission of health equity and community service (MSM News, 2022).
Beyond the Bio:
This biography paints a picture of Rick Kittles' career milestones but doesn't fully capture his multifaceted nature. He is a sought-after speaker, a published author, and a mentor to many aspiring scientists. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and his passion for community engagement and inclusivity continue to inspire and pave the way for future scientists.
Sources:
Columbus Dispatch (2004). "Kittles Brings $1 Million in Grants to Ohio State."
RIT Alumni Relations (2023). "Rick Kittles '89."
Encyclopedia.com (2023). "Kittles, Rick."
National Institutes of Health (2010). "Dr. Rick Kittles: Bridging the Gap Between Ancestry and Health."
Wikipedia (2023). "Rick Kittles."
Kittles, R. A., et al. (2003). "SNPs for predicting African ancestry in admixed populations." The American Journal of Human Genetics, 73(6), 1408-1417.
Morehouse School of Medicine (2023). "Rick Kittles, Ph.D."
MSM News (2022).