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In this episode, I speak with Prof. Allan Drummond. Allan is an associate professor at the University of Chicago in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. We touch on quite a few topics related to evolution, and Allan shares some unique thoughts and perspectives he's gained during his unorthodox career path.
(00:25) -- biggest misconception about Darwinian evolution
(03:55) -- neutral theory vs natural selection
(06:15) -- meaning of randomness in evolution
(07:58) -- evolvability
(10:03) -- how proteins evolve
(15:30) -- factors influencing protein evolution
(23:10) -- how molecular evolution translates to phenotypic changes
(26:51) -- cultural evolution
(28:45) -- overemphasis on molecular mechanisms?
(39:00) -- role of storytelling in science
(45:00) -- employee bootcamps
(54:03) -- Allan’s journey to becoming a professor at UChicago
(70:03) -- non-traditional paths in science
(74:30) -- mentorship