S. Joshua Swamidass, an associate professor of pathology and immunology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, was welcomed as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Interestingly, Swamidass is also well known for his work in promoting understanding of science among communities of faith and for his extraordinary public outreach efforts. He is also known for applying machine learning to chemical biology and medicine. He was recognized for his focus on use of machine learning in the process of drug discovery and how drugs are processed in the body. Specifically in a recent study of de-identified electronic health records, he used machine learning to identify combinations of drug that can cause liver problems when used together.
In 2019, his book The Genealogical Adam and Eve: The Surprising Science of Universal Ancestry, he is said to have outlined a reading of the biblical story of Adam and Eve that is consistent with evolutionary science. The book looks at the lack of science behind the theory of polygenesis or the idea that different races of people arose independently in different parts of the world.
He wrote, “The question of Adam and Eve lurked in my mind for years. At first the question, required courage. Eventually, in the mystery, fear gave way to curiosity.”
Swamidass also was an adviser for the exhibit, “Scripture and Science: Our Universe, Ourselves, Our Place,” at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C. The exhibit runs through January 2024.
