Celebrating Black History and Heritage with Janina Jeff

Janina Jeff is a population geneticist, bioinformatician, podcaster, and the first African American to graduate with a Ph.D. in human genetics from Vanderbilt University. She is also a 2023 top award winner of the National Academies' Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, which honor exceptional science communicators, journalists, and research scientists who have developed creative, original work to communicate issues and advances in science, engineering, or medicine for the general public.

Her hip-hop inspired podcast, In Those Genes, uses genetics to uncover the lost identities of African-descended Americans through the lens of Black culture. In every episode, Jeff invites listeners in as family, bringing them on a journey to learn more about the power that lies within the African genome.

In celebration of Black History Month, Jeff discussed her experiences integrating Black history and heritage into her science communication.

How and/or why did you begin communicating your research?

Jeff: In 2018 I won an award from Spotify aimed at amplifying women of color in podcasting. There were over 25,000 applicants, and my idea for In Those Genes was born through this application. In Those Genes is a podcast that uses genetics to decode the lost histories and futures of African descendants. Through the show, I've been able to not only teach genetics but to separate fact from fiction from common assumptions about heredity specifically as it pertains to race.

Your podcast, In Those Genes, uses genetics to uncover the lost identities of African-descended Americans through the lens of Black culture. Tell us more about what kind of stories you've told and enjoy telling.

Jeff: Our second season is focused around the central question, "Is it genetic?!" Each episode focuses on unpacking long-held myths about the genetics of Black folks, specifically our understanding of physical phenotypes - physical representations of our genomes - and the sociology of beliefs about race.

Expanding on the creative use of music and Black culture in Season 1, our sophomore season uses sci-fi vignettes, historical and personal narrative, immersive sound design, and interviews with leading experts in anthropology, sociology, ethnomusicology, epidemiology, and neurology to uncover the truth behind three racialized characteristics - race, physical features commonly associated with race, and aging - often conflated with genetics.

What inspires you when starting a podcast episode?

Jeff: When we think about episodes, we are initially inspired by questions we hear in the community. Some common ones are "Black folks are better at sports, it's probably genetics" or "Is rhythm encoded in the genomes of Black folk?" Both of these resulted in episodes from Season 2 of our podcast. After we get the idea, we have a beat sheet writing session and a long ideation meeting before conducting any interviews.

What advice would you have for other scientists and science communicators looking to integrate Black history and heritage into their communication?

Jeff: The biggest advice I would give is to not be afraid to bring non-science stories, facts, and media into the communications of science. In our episodes we do this, and it adds a piece of familiarity to the episode. Most importantly, the Black history and culture we add to the show almost always is connected to the science!

"I am a population geneticist, but I like to think of myself as a geneti-'SIS.' In a lot of ways, I'm a storyteller. I tell stories both through my podcast and my science. If we're willing to listen, the right stories can help us unlearn unhealthy behaviors and show love and compassion for groups of people who we may not necessarily know very well, connect with, or share experiences with. Even though humans are 99.5% genetically identical, I think the parts that make us different are the most beautiful. In genetics, understanding these differences can also help us come up with new ways to treat - and even eradicate - disease." - Janina Jeff

Related Resources

• In Those Genespodcast
• The National Academies' Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications

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