Associate Professor at Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Colombia
Professional Profile
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Education
Prof. Dr. William Usaquén holds a Doctorate and Master’s degree in Biological Sciences from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where he specialized in genetic population studies. His doctoral and master’s research involved advanced genetic characterization of Colombian populations using microsatellite markers. He also earned a specialization in statistics from the same university, enabling him to apply quantitative methods to genetic and forensic studies. His undergraduate degree in biology laid the foundation for his multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, genetics, anthropology, and statistics. Over the course of his academic training, he developed expertise in genetic analysis, biostatistics, and population genetics, which has informed his later research in both human and animal populations. Complementing his national education, he undertook international training in forensic genetics at the Institute for Legal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical University, broadening his technical proficiency and exposure to advanced forensic methodologies, further solidifying his expertise in interdisciplinary scientific research.
Experience
Prof. Dr. William Usaquén has built an extensive academic and professional career primarily at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, where he has served as a professor, researcher, and administrator for over two decades. His roles have included teaching undergraduate and postgraduate courses in genetics, experimental design, forensic medicine, and statistical applications in genetics. He has also coordinated specialized courses and training programs, contributing to capacity building in forensic and population genetics. Beyond academia, he has held leadership roles in national forensic science institutions, including coordinating laboratories and developing scientific information systems. His international experience includes training in forensic genetics in Austria, enhancing his global scientific perspective. Throughout his career, he has maintained an active presence in both research and applied science, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world forensic and genetic investigations. His career reflects a sustained commitment to research excellence, education, and the advancement of forensic and population genetics.
Research Focus
Prof. Dr. William Usaquén’s research centers on genetics, with a strong emphasis on population genetics, forensic genetics, and molecular anthropology. His work involves genetic characterization of human populations, particularly in Colombia, using microsatellite markers and other molecular tools. He has investigated genetic diversity, ancestral lineages, and population structures, contributing to understanding human migration, ancestry, and identity. In forensic contexts, his research applies genetic markers to individual identification, paternity testing, and criminal investigations, enhancing accuracy and reliability in legal medicine. Additionally, he has studied genetic traits in animal populations, such as cattle breeds, linking population genetics to agricultural and biodiversity conservation applications. His expertise in statistical genetics allows him to develop and refine methodologies for data analysis in complex genetic studies. By integrating molecular biology, statistics, anthropology, and forensics, his research contributes to both academic knowledge and practical solutions in fields ranging from evolutionary biology to judicial processes.
Award and Honor