Allan Drummond on Protein Evolution (and a lot more)

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