Lectures

My lectures are largely focused on the various ways DNA test results can be incorporated into traditional documentary research.  

Choose from established lectures. Or if your organization has a specific need, contact me to discuss the development of a lecture tailored just for you.

DNA: A Power Tool in the Genealogist's Tool Box
Learn the Many different ways DNA test results can confirm and advance paper trail research.

DNA & GPS: Using DNA Test Results to Meet the Genealogical Proof Standard
An introduction to the five elements of the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS), and an exploration of DNA test results specifically within this framework.

Genome Mate Pro: Know It & Go
A step-by-step introduction to installing and importing the many files needed to derive maximum benefits from the DNA analysis program Genome Mate Pro.

The Three Types of DNA
Learn the fundamental concepts necessary for understanding DNA inheritance of Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA.

Beginning Genetic Genealogy (four three-hour sessions)
Explore the biological concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, and gain the necessary skills to analyze DNA test results.

Intermediate DNA Analysis (four three-hour sessions)
Build on the skills acquired from the Beginning Genetic Genealogy class. Learn about the concepts of X-chromosome inheritance, misattributed paternity, relationship predictions, and targeted testing plans.

Genome Mate Pro: Analysis and Chromosome Mapping
Explore the full functionality of Genome Mate Pro.

Third-Party Tools
Learn about the most useful DNA third-party tools for genealogical problem solving: GEDmatch and DNAGedcom.

Testing Company Tools
An in-depth exploration of data results using the various analysis tools at each of the three major DNA testing company websites.

A Mexican Father in Michigan: Autosomal DNA Helps Identify Paternity (case study)
A study of the methodology used to solve of unknown paternity published in the June 2016 issue of National Genealogical Society Quarterly.

Building a Proof Argument Using DNA Test Results (case study)
Understand the mechanics of a DNA-based proof argument by studying an article published in the June 2016 issue of National Genealogical Society Quarterly. Learn to communicate DNA test results using narrative text, tables, figures and citations.

Autosomal DNA Basics
Learn how autosomal DNA is inherited, and explore relationship predictions based on shared DNA.

Finding Autosomal DNA Crossovers and Visual Phasing
A step-by-step instruction of visual phasing, a technique that uses autosomal DNA test results of three siblings to reconstruct of their four grandparents.

Proving Your Pedigree: Achieving Proof at Every Generational Link (four three-hour sessions)
Learn the framework to prove each generation in an ancestral line using the Genealogical Proof Standard.

Testing Companies: Making the Right Choice
Gain an understanding of the types of DNA, tests available and the strengths and weaknesses of the three major testing companies.

GEDmatch: An Essential Tool for DNA Geeks
An in-depth introduction to the many tools available on GEDmatch, a free third-party website used to analyze autosomal DNA test results for clues about unknown ancestors. The lectures uses specific examples illustrating GEDmatch's utility for genealogical research.