The DNA Interest Group is a special interest group of NSDCGS designed to educate and inform people about the use of DNA testing for genealogical purposes through lectures on DNA followed by small group breakout discussions and individualized help with DNA results. Open to all levels of computer/genealogy experience.
- 3rd Saturday of the month (except December)
- In-person: Georgina Cole Library Community Room
- Doors open at 12:30 p.m.
- Virtual via Zoom – Registration link below
- Presentation: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
- Most meetings will be hybrid (in-person and virtual)
- Presentation recordings are available to current NSDCGS members
Upcoming Speakers and Topics
November 15, 2025 – HYBRID
FamilyTreeDNA + WikiTree: The Power of Collaboration for Your DNA Matches presented by Katy Rowe-Schurwanz
Katy Rowe-Schurwanz will present remotely
Presentation will be recorded and available on society website until November 2026
Virtual attendees register HERE
This presentation will guide you through the latest collaborative features between FamilyTreeDNA and WikiTree. You’ll learn how to add your WikiTree ID to your FamilyTreeDNA kit, use WikiTree to confirm the most recent shared ancestor with your DNA matches, and get an exciting look at the recently added WikiTree Connections feature in FamilyTreeDNA Discover.
Katy Rowe-Schurwanz has always loved stories. Growing up, her maternal grandparents told her tales of their family history, inspiring her to become a genealogist like her grandfather. After studying creative writing, history, and anthropology at Southern Methodist University, she joined FamilyTreeDNA in 2015. As Product Manager, Katy has been a customer advocate for improving FamilyTreeDNA’s tests, tools, and features to help customers discover their ancestral past and break more brick walls. Katy uses her passion to improve FamilyTreeDNA’s genetic genealogy products so everyone can discover their family story.
Past Topics
2025
- January: Building Genetic Networks presented by Kathleen Fernandes
- February: IGG: A DNA Tool Solving the Unsolvable presented by Britta Brewer
- March: Privacy, DNA, and Genealogy: Handling the Double-Edged Sword presented by Thomas MacEntee
- April: CANCELED
- May: Ancestry Dots, ThruLines and an Organized Plan presented by Kelli Bergheimer
- June: 160-Year-Old Mystery Solved: Simultaneous Probability Model Reveals the Parents of Mary and Sam presented by John Motzi
- July: Pedigree Triangulation: A Key Methodology for Genetic Genealogy presented by Diana Elder
- August: Using DNA Test Results in Genealogical Research: A How-To Guide presented by Kathleen Fernandes, Ph.D
- September: DNA Doesn’t Lie, But Should We? Ethics and 21st Century Genealogy presented by Judy Russell
- October: DNA Matching Technology on MyHeritage: A New Frontier in Genealogy presented by Daniel Horowitz
2024
- January: DNA Misconceptions presented by Kelli Bergheimer
- February: What is ISOGG? & How to Use Its WIKI! presented by Kitty Cooper
- March: Unlocking the Power of DNA Projects for Your Research presented by Rachel Unkefer
- April: What’s in a Picture: Visualizing DNA and Family Relationships presented by Kathleen Fernandes
- May: Preparing for 3rd Party DNA Tools presented by Sara Cochran
- June: Scapple for Genetic Genealogy – The Simple Tool that Packs a Punch presented by Michelle Trostler
- July: DIG Open Forum Meeting
- August: Adoption Meets DNA presented by Beth Swartz
- September: DIG Open Forum Meeting With Zoom
- October: DNA Matchmaking Made Easy on MyHeritage presented by Shannon Combs-Bennett, QG, MSc, FSAScot
- November: Maximize Your Maternal Research with the New Mitotree and Mito Discover presented by Katy Rowe-Schurwanz