What does a genetic genealogist do? Well, after you’ve submitted your DNA to multiple databases and shared those results with me, here’s what I do — depending on your unique situation — to achieve or advance your research goal.
As you’ll see, this is a time-intensive process that requires patience and persistence! It also requires adequate DNA matches and the availability of written records.
- I Organize Your DNA Matches
I group your matches using methods such as the Leeds Method. This creates clusters of cousins who are related to you — and each other — through at least one common ancestor. - Distinguish Maternal and Paternal Lines
I separate matches into maternal and paternal branches to focus on the relevant lineage that contains your unknown ancestor.
The first two steps can typically take about a day. They may be completed during a six-hour research contract. You may then decide to complete the next steps yourself, or hire me for part of the work, or arrange a face-to-face session where I can teach you how to accomplish the next steps yourself.
- Consider DNA Amounts and Build Family Trees for Close Matches
At this point, I concentrate on your closest matches in the relevant group. I use the Shared cM Project to consider how much DNA they share with you and how they might be related to you. I also identify the most recent common ancestor(s) (MRCAs) that link many or all your matches in the relevant clusters. Then I may expand the tree sideways to include siblings of the MRCAs and work downward — if records are available — to the present generation. The goal here is to identify individuals who fit the time and location for the conception event. - Consolidate Family Trees
With more research, especially into marriage records, and considering geography and ethnicity, I try to link separate family trees by identifying couples whose children would have inherited DNA from at least two previously identified clusters.
Building family trees takes time. Several trees are typically built at the same time and they require a lot of records searching to ensure accuracy. Tens of hours are typically spent on these steps.
- Analyze Clusters and Use the WATO Tool
After identifying a cluster of descendants from the suspected MRCA, I may use the “What Are The Odds plus” (WATO plus) tool to formulate and test hypotheses about potential parents.
This phase requires good data input and expert analysis to work through the options and consider which hypotheses are most likely.
- Present a Hypothesis
If enough DNA matches are present, and the records exist to support a theory, I’ll present a hypothesis of the unknown ancestor’s identity. This will likely need to be tested with more evidence, for example: targeted DNA testing among the proposed ancestor’s nearer relatives and any information those family members may have about the proposed connection to your family.
At the end of each research session I write a formal report. This is your record of what was found in the process, and what all the information means for your research goal.