Dr. Brian M. Kemp
Ph.D., University of California, Davis
Assistant Professor
Molecular Anthropology
Research
Ancient DNA, new world archaeology
Courses
Introduction to Physical Anthropology (ANTH 260)
My research is focused on the analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and Y-chromosomal DNA variation in extant and prehistoric populations to address questions about Native American prehistory that are not approachable from culture history alone. I am particularly interested in detecting parallels between the genetic and archaeological records, as signatures of past demographic shifts, population interactions, and population movements will have been imprinted into our genomes. Another focus of my research is the advancement of ancient DNA methods for the improved collection and authentication of results.
In 2006, I was awarded a Ph.D. in anthropology from the University of California, Davis. My dissertation research used genetic data to test linguistic and archaeological hypotheses about the spread of Uto-Aztecan speakers across the American Southwest and Mesoamerica. This work indicates that neither the language family nor agricultural technology was spread by a major population expansion into the Southwest from Mesoamerica, a prediction of the Farming/Language Dispersal Hypothesis. Rather, this research identified a frequent Greater Southwest-specific genetic marker that is indicative of an in situ population expansion, probably following the introduction of maize agriculture into the region. My previous ancient DNA research has addressed the peopling of the Americas and rates of molecular evolution. I have published my research results in anthropology and archaeology journals, as well as ones of history and forensic science.
Select Publications
Kemp, Brian M., Ripan S. Malhi, John McDonough, Deborah A. Bolnick, Jason A. Eshleman, Olga Rickards, Cristina Martinez-Labarga, John R. Johnson, Joseph G. Lorenz, E. James Dixon, Terence E. Fifield, Timothy H. Heaton, Rosita Worl and David Glenn Smith
| 2007 Genetic analysis of early Holocene skeletal remains from Alaska and its implication for the timing of the peopling of the Americas. American Journal of Physical Anthropology 132:605-621. |
Malhi, Ripan S., Brian M. Kemp, Jason A. Eshleman, Jerome Cybulski, David Glenn Smith, Scott Cousins and Harold Harry
| 2007 Haplogroup M Discovered in Prehistoric North America. Journal of Archaeological Science 34(4):642-648. |
Kemp, Brian M., Cara Monroe and David Glenn Smith
| 2006 Repeat silica extraction: a simple technique for the removal of PCR inhibitors from DNA extracts. Journal of Archaeological Science 33:1680-1689. |
Kemp, Brian M. and David Glenn Smith
| 2005 Use of Bleach to Eliminate Contaminating DNA from the Surfaces of Bones and Teeth. Forensic Science International 154:53-61. |
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