2022 Spring Seminar

Using DNA Strategically: Tools to Identify Ancestors


Not able to participate in the live seminar? Not a problem!

You can still register for the seminar and view recordings of each session! The recordings will be available until Sunday May 8 2022.


Diahan Southard has been working in the genetic genealogy industry since its infancy. She is a leading voice for consumer DNA testing, one of the world’s most fascinating, dynamic and socially-transformative new hobbies.

As Founder of Your DNA Guide, Diahan teaches internationally, writes for popular magazines, consults with leading testing companies, is author of  Your DNA Guide- The Book, and producer of Your DNA Guide – the Academy, an online learning experience.

You will walk away from an interaction with her enlightened and motivated as she has a passion for genetic genealogy, a genuine love for people, and a gift for making the technical understandable.

Using DNA Strategically: Tools to Identify Ancestors

  • Session 1 – Power of YDNA and Autosomal DNA: A Case Study
    This case study integrating YDNA and autosomal DNA testing can teach you how to navigate your DNA—and the possible clash between our expectations for DNA testing and the reality of our experience.
  • Session 2 – Your DNA Match List: Overcome the Overwhelm by Organizing Them
    Organizing your DNA matches into genetic networks puts matches onto branches of your tree and prepares you to find missing ancestors. Learn how!
  • Session 3 – No Tree? No Problem!
    One of the most frustrating things about genetic genealogy is recognizing that you have a good DNA match that might help you break down your brick wall. Then you realize they haven’t posted any family tree information. Learn some best practices for identifying your best DNA matches, as well as super-sleuthing skills to help you track down the family tree for that all-important DNA match.
  • Session 4 – 3 Key Intermediate DNA Strategies
    While every person’s situation is unique, these ABCs are more advanced, key strategies you can use to help investigate your match list to identify a particular match or break down a genealogy brick wall. The strategies include “Ask the Wife” (dividing genetic networks), “Bottoms Up” (working from the bottom of your match list), and “Cousin Categories” (determining which kinds of cousins might answer your question).

This will be a virtual event.

Each session will be recorded. Recordings will be available to registered participants on Sunday April 24, and will be available through midnight on Sunday, May 8, 2022.

Schedule

Saturday April 23 (all times CT)

9:5010:00Welcome & Opening Remarks
10:0011:15Power of YDNA and Autosomal DNA: A Case Study
11:1511:30Break
11:3012:45Your DNA Match List:
Overcome the Overwhelm by Organizing Them
12:451:30Lunch
1:302:45No Tree? No Problem!
2:453:00Break
3:004:153 Key Intermediate DNA Strategies
4:154:25Closing Remarks

Cost (USD)

By April 3, 2022After April 3, 2022
DGS Member$50$60
Others$70$80
Join DGS

Refund Policy: Requests for refunds made prior to the early-bird cutoff date (April 3, 2022) will be granted (less a $10 handling fee). DGS will not issue refunds after 5:00 pm on April 3, but we will provide a PDF version of the syllabus and access to the recorded lectures for two weeks after the April 23 presentation.