Over the past 15 years, genomics has revolutionized the study of evolutionary biology and ecology. Research in these areas ranges from the study of rapid genetic change in response to climate change, to real time monitoring of microbial communities. These advances also have many practical applications, including tracking virus strains during pandemics and driving advances in plant breeding and drug development.

The Ecological and Evolutionary Genomics (EEG) Program, a partnership between the UC Davis Center for Population Biology and the Howard University Department of Biology, provides Howard University undergraduates with research experience addressing questions that reflect the shared interests of UC Davis and Howard faculty. In addition to research in applying genomics to ecological and evolutionary questions, the program also includes professional development and long-term mentoring with a goal of increasing the number of Howard University alumni who pursue graduate degrees and research careers in genomic approaches to ecology and evolutionary biology.

The EEG program is funded by the University of California Office of the President through the UC-HBCU Initiative Program.