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
January 18, 2025 – HYBRID
Building Genetic Networks
presented by Kathleen Fernandes.
Speaker will present in-person/Presentation will be recorded
Virtual Attendees – Register HERE
A genetic network shows how a group of individuals who share DNA are related to each other. This presentation explains how to use the Leeds method, Scapple mind mapping software, and the Shared cM Project tool in a step-by-step process to build a genetic network in unknown parentage research.
Kathleen Fernandes earned her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from Stanford University and worked as a systems analyst designing military IT systems for the Department of Defense. Since retiring, she has been actively pursuing her Portuguese roots and became interested in genetic genealogy as a way to break through the brick walls she encountered in her research. She is particularly interested in tools and techniques for analyzing DNA data in endogamous populations. She has spoken at conferences sponsored by the Institute for Genetic Genealogy and is a frequent presenter on DNA topics to local genealogy groups in the southern California area.
February 15, 2025 – HYBRID
Topic TBD
Past Topics
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
2023
- January: Endogamy Explained presented by Kathleen Fernandes
- April: Understanding the Ethnic Ancestry In Your DNA Test presented by Richard Hill
- May: DNA and the Global Family Tree presented by Mags Gaulden
- June: Forensic Genetic Genealogy: How It Is Used to Solve Cold Cases presented by Colleen Fitzpatrick, PhD
- July: Visual Phasing (How I Found My Grandfather) presented by Sharon Ryan
- August: Using AncestryDNA Today presented by Drew Smith
- September: What’s New in Crossover Recombination from a Genetic Genealogist’s Point of View presented by Kathryn Johnston
- November: An Investigative Genetic Genealogy Case Study: The Sarah Hutching Homicide presented by Carol Rolnick