
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 range of topics—from getting started with DNA testing and building a family tree to breaking down the investigative genetic genealogy process in a straightforward, easy-to-follow way. Requests for specific topics are always welcome. Sessions are designed to offer clear explanations, helpful examples, and practical tips that attendees can put to use in their own research.
Here are a few examples:
DNA Basics for Beginners
An approachable introduction to using DNA for genealogy. Learn how testing works, what your results mean, and how to apply them to grow and verify your family tree.
The X Factor – How X DNA Can Narrow Your Family Search
Explore how X DNA can help pinpoint specific family lines through inheritance patterns, real-world examples, and practical ways to use it in your research.
Visualizing DNA Connections with DNAPainter
See how to map DNA segments to specific ancestors using triangulation, segment data, and clustering tools from sites like GEDmatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and MyHeritage.
From Matches to Meaning
Go beyond predicted relationships to understand your DNA matches. Learn how to identify likely connections — even without a public tree — using shared matches, profile clues, and quick tree-building strategies.
Finding Family in the Records You Already Have
Discover how to look at census records, obituaries, and vital records in new ways to uncover hidden connections and overlooked details.
The Power of Clues
Learn how small details, such as a witness signature or a name in a neighbor’s household, can be the missing link in solving a research puzzle.
From Evidence to Identification: Making Sense of Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Follow a clear, step-by-step look at how investigative genetic genealogy works, from DNA sample to identified individual. See the role genealogists play, how public databases are used, and how each stage brings us closer to answers while addressing common misconceptions.
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.