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Imagine navigating a vast ocean, guided only by the stars, the wind, and the currents. That's the incredible feat Polynesian wayfinders accomplished for centuries, using their deep knowledge of the natural world to settle islands scattered across the Pacific. Now, imagine navigating the vast ocean of the human genome, seeking answers to questions about our history, our health, and our future. That's the journey Keolu Fox, the first Native Hawaiian with a Ph.D. in genomic sciences, has embarked upon.
Growing up in Hawaii, Fox was immersed in stories of his ancestors, the Polynesian navigators who braved the open ocean to discover new lands. He learned about the Hokulea, a traditional voyaging canoe that sailed from Hawaii to Tahiti in 1976, proving that ancient Polynesians could have made the journey without modern instruments. This voyage sparked a cultural renaissance in Hawaii, reawakening pride in Polynesian heritage and knowledge.
Fox's own journey of discovery led him to the field of genomics, where he saw the potential to use genetic data to rewrite the narratives of Indigenous communities and empower them to shape their own futures. He realized that the human genome, like the vast Pacific Ocean, holds a wealth of information waiting to be explored.
Through his research, Fox is working to understand how the genomes of Polynesian populations have been shaped by their unique history, their migration patterns, and their interactions with the environment. He's particularly interested in how genetic variations might contribute to health disparities and how this knowledge can be used to develop more effective treatments for diseases like gout, which is highly prevalent in Polynesian communities.
But Fox's vision goes beyond simply studying the genome. He's a strong advocate for ethical and culturally sensitive research practices, ensuring that Indigenous communities have a voice in how their genetic data is collected, used, and shared. He believes that genomic research should benefit the communities it studies, not just scientists or corporations.
To that end, Fox co-founded Variant Bio, a company that practices benefit-sharing, returning a portion of its profits to the communities that participate in its research. He envisions a future where genomic research helps Indigenous communities reclaim their land, their health, and their narratives.
Fox's work is a testament to the power of combining traditional knowledge with cutting-edge science. Just as Polynesian wayfinders used their understanding of the stars and the sea to navigate the Pacific, Fox is using his knowledge of genomics to navigate the complexities of human history and health, charting a course towards a more just and equitable future for Indigenous communities.
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