I incorporate the Genealogical Proof Standard in all my research and lectures – including those on DNA. I specialize in teaching others how to mine details from DNA test results and use them as evidence to solve complex relationship problems.

Choose from a list of lectures or contact me about designing a lecture to fit your unique needs.

DNA: A Power Tool in the Genealogist’s Tool Box

Learn the many ways DNA test results confirm and advance documentary research. Fun and entertaining lecture. All levels.

DNA Evidence and the Genealogical Proof Standard

Summarizes the DNA-related standards within the context of the Genealogical Proof Standard. Provides practical examples of various strategies to meet Genealogy Standards with DNA evidence.

Looking for Treasure? X Marks the Spot

The unique inheritance pattern of the X chromosome offers strategies to solve genealogical problems.

Blasting the Myth: Mitochondrial DNA Evidence is Useful for Genealogy

Mitochondrial DNA tests do have practical application for genealogical research. Includes an overview of common interpretation errors.

Avoiding Common Mistakes When Working with DNA

Examine common errors in DNA interpretation and strategies to avoid them.

DNA Testing Companies: A Consumer’s Guide

Explore the consumer DNA test types and the strengths and weaknesses of the major testing companies. Emphasizes an efficient testing plan.

The Sonnemaker Line from Hannover to Illinois

This case study confirms and extends the pedigree of an immigrant ancestor born in 1787 in Hannover, Germany who migrated to DuPage County, Illinois in 1841. The proof includes genetic matching with integration of a wide variety of documentary sources.

Case Studies—Integration of DNA and Documentary Evidence to Achieve a Genetic Relationship Conclusion

Case examples demonstrate research strategies integrating evidence from documentary and genetic sources to prove genetic relationship conclusions.

Bricks and Mortar: Building a Sturdy Proof Argument with DNA and Documentary Evidence (Case Study)

Understand the mechanics of a DNA-based proof argument by studying an article published in the June 2016 National Genealogical Society Quarterly and honored with the NGSQ Award for Excellence. Learn to communicate DNA test results using narrative text, tables, figures, and citations. The case proves the identify of a Mexican biological father of an adoptee born in Michigan. Documentary and genetic sources are integrated from the U.S. and Mexico. The emphasis is on research strategy and writing choices to meet Genealogy Standards.

A Giant Logic Puzzle: An Overview of Visual Phasing

This advanced technique uses three siblings’ atDNA results to reconstruct the genomes of their four grandparents.

My Ancestors Live on in Me: A Geeky Guide to Chromosome Mapping

Identify, attribute and map specific segments to an ancestor. Learn to use the chromosome map to generate hypotheses about brick-walled ancestor identities.

Proving Your Pedigree: Achieving Proof at Every Generation

A chain is only as strong as its weakest link! Learn to prove each generation in an ancestral line using the Genealogical Proof Standard, and when and how to use DNA data in the process.

The Everleigh Sisters: A Case Study in Conflict Resolution

Minna and Ada Everleigh, Chicago’s most famous pair of sisters, fabricated many details of their lives in order to run their shady business. Learn to sort fact from fiction.

Ruling In Instead of Ruling Out

Case studies show how Genealogy Standards practical guidance to achieve accurate conclusions with DNA. Protect against researcher confirmation bias.

It’s All About Respect: Clinical Tips to Manage Difficult Conversations about Unexpected DNA Results

Karen, a licensed clinical therapist, offers tips for converting awkward, angst-producing conversations into successful, empathetic discussions.

A Charming Scoundrel and a Tragic Victim (advanced)

Two connected case studies demonstrate the use of documentary and genetic evidence to identify the unknown parents of a woman born in 1882. The research extends both parental lines into Ireland. Tips for creating a complex proof argument are included.