Some features on FamilySearch may be unavailable as we make improvements to the site starting Monday, April 6th at 6:00 AM (UTC-00:00) and lasting about 3 hours. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Genetic Anthropologist and Assistant Professor

Miguel G. Vilar, PhD in Anthropology

Miguel Vilar is a professor, scientist, and storyteller. His research focus is on human history, migration and evolution, specifically in island settings in Latin America and the Pacific, and primarily studying Mitochondrial and Y Chromosome DNA. He was recently the Lead Scientist for NGS’ Genographic Project, a multi-year anthropology study that aimed to map human migration patterns by collecting and analyzing DNA samples from hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. He is also a consultant for FamilyTreeDNA and a National Geographic Society Explorer.

All Sessions and Languages


Thumbnail for What Ancient DNA Reveals About Our Ancestry
Video duration is 17:14
Session was published in 2026

What Ancient DNA Reveals About Our Ancestry

Miguel G. Vilar