Jan 10 – DNA Basics
This presentation addresses the basics of autosomal DNA testing along with an overview of the major testing companies and the information they provide. This presentation also provides recommendations on testing strategies and includes tips on organizing and interpreting DNA test results.
Feb 14 – DNA Painter: Chromosome Mapping
Chromosome mapping is the process of assigning DNA segments to an ancestral line based on sharing the segments with cousins who descend from the line. This presentation explains how to use the Chromosome Mapping feature of DNA Painter to track the DNA you share with matches and to map segments to ancestors.
Mar 14 – DNA Painter: Trees and Tools
This presentation focuses on the Ancestral Maps and Tools features of DNA Painter. It explains how to create different views of your family tree, with annotations for different DNA inheritance paths, and provides an overview of the Shared cM Project tool and the What are the Odds? tool.
Apr 11– Third-Party Analysis and Visualization Tools
This presentation reviews a number of third-party analysis and visualization tools that are available to assist in autosomal DNA analysis. Topics covered include the Leeds method, several Chrome extensions, the Genetic Affairs AutoCluster tool, the DNAGEDCom Client, and several visualization tools for mapping family relationships.
May 9 – AncestryDNA
This presentation reviews the ethnicity prediction and cousin matching features of AncestryDNA and explains how to use the analysis tools available on the site.
Jun 13 – to be announced
Jul 11 – Shared Matches Methodology
This presentation explains one of the research methodologies used to solve unknown parentage cases. This methodology focuses on the analysis of shared matches and presents several case studies illustrating how tools such as the Leeds method and the What Are the Odds? tool can be applied in the analysis.
Aug 8 – Consults
Sep 12 – What’s in a Picture: Visualizing DNA and Family Relationships
This presentation describes the questions to ask when evaluating a visualization and then reviews the various approaches to displaying information about family relationships, DNA inheritance, matches in a family tree, and shared segments and matches.
Oct 10 - Endogamy Explained
Endogamy is the practice of marrying within a limited community or group over many generations for cultural or religious reasons or due to geographic isolation. This presentation describes how to recognize endogamy in your family tree, explains its impact on evaluating DNA test results, and provides recommendations on how to deal with endogamy in your family research.
Nov 14 – A How-To Guide to Using DNA Test Results in Genealogical Research
This presentation provides step-by-step guidance on how to approach the analysis of DNA testing data and apply the results in your genealogical research. Topics covered include testing strategies, confirming relationships to family members tested, verifying the branches in your tree, identifying “surprise” cousins, and addressing brick walls in your distant ancestry.