Nicole Elder Dyer

About Nicole Elder Dyer

Nicole Dyer is a professional genealogist specializing in Southern United States research and genetic genealogy. She is the creator of FamilyLocket.com and the Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast. She co-authored Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide and Research Like a Pro with DNA and is an instructor for the study groups of the same name. She lectures at conferences and institutes and previously served as the secretary and publicity chair of the Pima County Genealogy Society. Nicole holds a bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University in History Teaching. At Family Locket Genealogists, Nicole is a project manager, editor, and researcher.

RLP 243: RLP with DNA 6 – Analyze your Sources

Mar 6, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about chapter six of Research Like a Pro with DNA. Chapter 6 is about analyzing sources, information, and evidence. DNA sources can be original, derivative, or authored, just like documentary. We go over the source, information, and evidence labels and discuss DNA examples for each. We also talk about evaluating a DNA match to determine the relationship with the match – including X-matches, Y-DNA matches, and...

Cite-Builder: A Genealogy Source Citation Generator

Mar 3, 2023

At the virtual RootsTech Conference last year, I learned about a new tool for creating source citations called Cite-Builder.com. The program helps you create citations in the Evidence Explained style and also has options to use additional styles.. The tool asks you to select which type of source you’re using, then has a form where you type in details about the source, like person’s name, birth date, registration year, volume number, etc. Cite-Builder was created...

RLP 242: RLP with DNA 5 – Write Source Citations for DNA and Documentary Sources

Feb 27, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about chapter five of Research Like a Pro with DNA. Chapter 5 is all about source citations. We focus especially on writing citations for DNA reports and matches. We go over the five elements of a source citation – who created the source, what is the source, when was the source created, where is the source, and where in is the information cited. Join us as we...

RLP 241: RLP with DNA 4 – Create a Research Objective

Feb 20, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about chapter 4 of Research Like a Pro with DNA – “Create a Research Objective.” We discuss how to find research questions in your tree, the limitations of different types of DNA for helping answer those questions, and how to form a written objective with unique identifiers. We also discuss phases of a project. Transcript Nicole (1s): This is Research Like A Pro. Episode 241 RLP with...

RLP 240: RLP with DNA 3 – Organize Your DNA Matches Visually

Feb 13, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about Chapter 3 of Research Like a Pro with DNA, “Organize your DNA Matches Visually with Diagrams and Family Trees.” We discuss diagramming your matches in Lucidchart or similar program and adding DNA matches to your family tree program. Transcript Nicole (1s): This is Research Like A Pro. Episode 240 RLP with DNA. Three Organize Your DNA Matches Visually Welcome to Research like a Pro, a Genealogy...

RLP 239: RLP with DNA 2 – Assess Your DNA Matches and Analyze Your Pedigree

Feb 6, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the first steps to take in understanding and using your DNA results. This episode is part 2 in our Research Like a Pro with DNA series. We discuss setting up a system to track your matches and the information you learn about them. Join us as we cover starting an Airtable research log, DNA testing company notes, clustering matches, and assessing amounts of shared DNA with...

RLP 238: RLP with DNA 1 – Take a DNA Test

Jan 30, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is the first in a 12-part Research Like a Pro with DNA series. We will discuss each chapter of our book, Research Like a Pro with DNA, in the series. Chapter 1 is about selecting the appropriate DNA test. We talk about different types of DNA, testing companies, SNPs, STRs, and a strategy for getting the most out of your DNA testing budget. Transcript Nicole (0s): Episode...

RLP 237: The Ancestor I’d Like to Meet: Ettie Belle Harris

Jan 23, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about our ancestor, Ettie Belle Harris, Diana’s paternal grandmother. Diana is doing the 52 ancestors in 52 weeks challenge hosted by Amy Johnson Crow. We discuss writing letters to relatives to learn about Ettie, an heirloom passed down from Ettie, and her life story. We also talk about a few tips for writing about ancestors. Transcript Nicole (2s): This is Research Like A Pro, episode 237...

Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women

Jan 16, 2023

We’re reading Ribbons of Scarlet: A Novel of the French Revolution’s Women for our winter selection for the Family Locket Book Club on Goodreads. Written by historical fiction authors Kate Quinn, Stephanie Dray, Laura Kamoie, Sophie Perinot, Heather Webb, and Eliza Knight, the book provides a fascinating insight into the French Revolution through the eyes of seven women who were part of it. Based on historical accounts, speeches, writings, letters, and diaries, with fictionalized dialog, Ribbons...

RLP 236: Strategies for Overcoming Endogamy

Jan 16, 2023

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about endogamy, its effect on DNA analysis, and strategies to overcome these challenges. We discuss a client case with French Canadian and Acadian lines as well as making a network graph and analyzing it. Join us as we discuss calculating average segment size, sorting by longest segment, segment mapping, and more. Transcript Nicole (1s): This is Research Like A Pro. episode 236 Strategies for Overcoming Endogamy Welcome...