The origin of novelty is one of the central questions of evolution. My laboratory has been focused on the genetic mechanisms underlying the evolution of animal form, and more recently, on biochemical novelties such as the evolution of snake venom. While the general mechanisms involved are distinct, the one common lesson these two pursuits have provided is, in biology, to expect the unexpected.

Short bio
Sean B. Carroll is an award-winning scientist, writer, educator and film producer.
He is Vice President for Science Education of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the largest private supporter of science education activities in the U.S., and Professor of Biology at the University of Maryland.

Sean’s laboratory research has centered on the genes that control animal body patterns and play major roles in the evolution of animal diversity. He has received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Life Sciences, been elected a member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, the European Molecular Biology Organization, as well as a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Sean is the author of five books for general audiences including "The Serengeti Rules," "Brave Genius," "The Making of the Fittest," "Endless Forms Most Beautiful" and "Remarkable Creatures," which was a finalist for the National Book Award for non-fiction. In 2016, Sean received the Lewis Thomas Prize for Writing about Science.

The architect of HHMI’s documentary film initiative, Sean has served as executive
producer and/or on-screen presenter of more than a dozen films, including "Mass Extinction," "Amazon Adventure," and "The Farthest," and earned one Emmy and two Emmy nominations. His latest book, "The Serengeti Rules," is the basis for a new theatrical film being released in 2019.

View YouTube video of seminar: https://youtu.be/ppi7Xwro4PA