Origin: A Genetic History of the Americas

While I was writing this book, I was also starting a lab, writing grants,
going through the tenure process, raising a baby into a toddler, and (for the
last two years) managing through a pandemic. I could not have done any of
this without Oliver’s daycare and preschool teachers (my gratitude to them
is beyond expression) and the help of my family. My father, who answered
all my questions as a child (in the pre-Internet era) with “Look it up!” has
steadfastly encouraged my scientific career and inspired much in this book.
In particular, my narrative about caving and geology in chapter 4 is also a
tribute to the many hours of underground adventures I had with him in the
Ozark Highlands. My sister Julie, who is my dearest friend, helped support
me throughout the writing process and spent hours giving me feedback on
how to make the language in many chapters to be more vivid and
accessible. This book would not be possible without her. My mother, my
first and greatest science teacher, moved in with us in order to help raise
Oliver. I can’t thank her enough, nor Colin, who selflessly sacrificed his
own work on many occasions in order to give me the space to write. To
Oliver: you were born shortly before I started this book and grew into a
preschooler as I worked on it. Although it will be out of date by then, I hope
that you will someday enjoy reading the work that took up so many of your
mother’s weekends. You have profoundly influenced my writing, and I am
proud to share this with you.