Professor Emeritus Fred Smith of Illinois State’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology will present “Assessing the Role of Migration in Human Evolutionary History” at the next International Seminar Series at noon Wednesday, September 26. The event which will take place in the Old Main Room of the Bone Student Center, is free and open to all.

In his talk, Smith will evaluate the role of migration in the evolution of mankind. He will discuss how the roots of human species have been a “melting pot,” and how this provides depth to the argument on humankind and unity.

Smith received a bachelor’s degree in zoology and anthropology from the University of Tennessee, a master’s degree in anthropology, and a Ph.D. in biological anthropology from the University of Michigan. A former Fulbright Fellow and Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, he served as chair of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology at Illinois State University. His research interest includes the role of Neanderthals in the emergence of modern humans in western Eurasia.

Information about the seminar series can be found on the Office of International Studies and Programs website.

The International Seminar Series offers the Illinois State campus and Bloomington-Normal community weekly opportunities to learn about a wide range of international topics. Guest speakers are experts in their fields across a range of disciplines who cover a wide array of cultural, historical, political, and social topics.