CFI Congratulates Dr. Maria Nieves-Colón on 2025 Pew Biomedical Scholar Award

The Center for Immunology proudly congratulates Dr. Maria Nieves-Colón on being named one of only 22 early-career scientists nationwide selected for the 2025 Pew Scholars Program in the Biomedical Sciences. This prestigious honor from The Pew Charitable Trusts will provide four years of funding to support her innovative research on the genetic and health impacts of the forced migration of millions of Africans to Latin America during the colonial era.

Selected from 209 nominees, Dr. Nieves-Colón, an anthropological geneticist and leader of UMN’s Anthropological Genetics Lab, integrates genomics, archaeology, and anthropology to reconstruct population histories, trace ancient migrations, and explore how these movements shaped genetic variation, culture, and health in historically understudied communities in the Caribbean and Latin America.

“Our work dismantles colonial narratives by centering the voices of descendant communities,” said Nieves-Colón. “By combining ancient DNA analysis with community collaboration, we can tell more complete, ethical, and inclusive histories.”

For 40 years, the Pew Scholars Program has supported creative approaches to major scientific questions. “This new class continues that legacy,” said Donna Frisby-Greenwood, Pew’s senior vice president for Philadelphia and scientific advancement.

Dr. Nieves-Colón’s lab also serves as a training hub, equipping students and collaborators, from Minnesota to Puerto Rico, with genomic skills applicable in biomedical research, forensics, and beyond. “Genetics is everywhere now,” she said. “We want our trainees to critically understand what DNA can and can’t tell us about health, identity, and ancestry.”

Read the full Pew announcement here.