I love talking about genealogy, the stories, the connections, and how DNA can bring it all together. That includes the important role investigative genetic genealogy, or IGG, plays in identifying the unidentified.
With over 10 years of experience, I tailor presentations for a wide range of audiences including library patrons, lifelong learners, retirement communities, genealogical societies, historical groups, and community organizations.
My goal is to make these subjects easy to understand and interesting whether you’re just starting your family history journey or have been researching for years.
Let’s plan a presentation that fits your audience’s needs.
Presentation Topics
Presentations cover a wide range of topics, from getting started with DNA testing and building a family tree to explaining the investigative genetic genealogy process in a clear and approachable way. Each session is designed to provide practical examples, useful tips, and straightforward guidance that attendees can apply to their own research. Requests for specific topics are always welcome.
Here are a few examples:
DNA Basics for Beginners
Designed for those new to genetic genealogy, this session explains how DNA testing works, what the results actually mean, and how DNA can be used as a practical tool in family history research.
The Value of X DNA for Family History Research
X DNA is often overlooked, but it can be a valuable tool in certain research situations because it follows unique inheritance patterns. Understanding how those patterns work can help narrow possible family lines and rule out connections that don’t fit.
Visualizing DNA Connections with DNAPainter
This session shows how DNAPainter can be used to visually map your DNA segments and connect them to shared ancestors. We’ll explore triangulation, segment data, and clustering, using examples from GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and MyHeritage
From Matches to Meaning
Move beyond predicted relationship labels and focus on what your DNA matches can really tell you. This session covers practical ways to identify likely connections using shared matches, profile clues, and quick tree-building strategies, including approaches for working with matches who don’t have public trees or who may be using aliases.
Small Details, Big Discoveries
Learn how reexamining the records you already have, and taking the time to read new records carefully, can uncover details that are easy to overlook. Small clues like witnesses, neighbors, household members, and subtle wording can lead to meaningful connections and help break down long-standing brick walls in your research or help to discover new connections.
From Evidence to Identification: Making Sense of Investigative Genetic Genealogy
This talk provides a clear look at the investigative genetic genealogy process and the path from evidence to identification. It explores how genealogists use DNA and public databases to build connections and move cases toward resolution.
Media Portfolio
I’ve been featured in news segments, podcasts, and print articles, sharing my work in investigative genetic genealogy, cold case investigations, and how DNA is helping solve long-standing mysteries. Explore a selection of past features here.
If you’re interested in booking a presentation or working together on your next project, I’d love to talk.