Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

In the spring of 2004, Hamilton was asked to review part of a textbook for Blackwell Scientific. Due to the constant expansion of the field, Hamilton also asked if there were plans to write a new textbook on population genetics. A few days later, an editor called to ask Hamilton to write a prospectus for such a book.

“In a moment of weakness, I agreed to write the textbook,” Hamilton says of his work, “but it’s turned out to be a fantastic experience.”

So far, Hamilton has written eight of ten chapters, including many figures and interactive exercises. One of the features Hamilton is most excited about are the “interact boxes” included in the book, each of which contains a computer simulation exercise designed to help readers grasp basic concepts. Hamilton also collaborated with another researcher to develop simulation software to accompany the textbook. The software, PopGeneS2, allows users to simulate changes in genetic populations after setting key parameters, such as the rate of mutations or the size of the population. These hands-on exercises make the abstract aspects of population genetics much more accessible to students.

“We all need to embrace computers,” Hamilton says, “and it’s best if you find a few things in which a computer can serve you well; in my case: simulations and dynamic content.”

Hamilton’s textbook will be among the first to include several major conceptual developments introduced into the field of population genetics in the past 10 years. He’s had to learn each of these areas from the bottom up, taking them apart so they can be explained to his undergraduate audience.

”The process has been challenging,” explains Hamilton, “but satisfying in the end.” He looks forward to the publication of the textbook, expected in 2007.

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