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 222: Multiple Relationships, Pedigree Collapse and Endogamy

Oct 10, 2022

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the difference between endogamy, pedigree collapse, and multiple relationships. We discuss examples of each scenario and how it affects DNA matching and cluster analysis. Transcript Nicole (2s): This is Research Like a Pro episode 222 Endogamy, Pedigree collapse and multiple relationships. Welcome to Research Like a Pro a Genealogy Podcast about taking your research to the next level, hosted by Nicole Dyer and Diana Elder accredited...

Creating Network Graphs with Gephi Part 2: Import Spreadsheets and Run Layouts

Oct 8, 2022

Would you like an efficient method to find clusters of DNA matches relevant to your research subject? In this series, I’m sharing the steps to create a network graph using the free, open source Gephi application, available for Windows or Mac. I use Gephi to create network graphs of my AncestryDNA matches, but you can use matches from other companies as well. Throughout this series, I will be using my own matches from AncestryDNA, but...

RLP 221: Autosomal DNA Coverage – Part 2

Oct 3, 2022

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is a case study of how increasing coverage of Barsheba Tharp and Joanna West, Nicole was able to confirm the hypothesis that Joanna was Barsheba’s mother. We talk about the challenges of working with DNA further back in time, but how adding additional test takers helps with that challenge. Transcript Nicole (1s): This is research Like a Pro episode 221 Autosomal DNA Coverage part two. Welcome to...

RLP 220: Autosomal DNA Coverage – Part 1

Sep 26, 2022

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about autosomal DNA coverage. We define the term, discuss why it’s important, and share examples and formulas. Learn how you can find more relevant DNA matches when you include additional test takers who descend through unique child lines. Transcript Nicole (1s): This is Research Like a Pro episode 220 Autosomal DNA coverage, part one. Welcome to Research Like a Pro a Genealogy Podcast about taking your research...

How Multiple Relationships Affect DNA Match Analysis

Sep 24, 2022

Do you have DNA matches that seem to belong in multiple genetic networks? Are you nervous that you’re seeing pedigree collapse or endogamy? Before you despair, realize that this phenomenon could be due to DNA matches sharing more than one common ancestral couple with each other, or what’s often called “multiple relationships.” In Diana’s post, Endogamy, Pedigree Collapse, and Multiple Relationships: What’s the Difference and Why Does it Matter, she talked briefly about multiple relationships...

Autosomal DNA Coverage Calculator

Sep 24, 2022

If calculating coverage of your research subject sounds challenging, try using this coverage calculator! In my two previous posts about coverage, we talked about the concept of achieving better coverage of your research subject through gaining access to additional test results of their descendants. I talked about Paul Woodbury’s coverage formula and applied it to the Daniel Arnold case and Barsheba Tharp case. Read those posts here: Find More Ancestors with Autosomal DNA by Increasing...

RLP 219: Southern Colonial Research – Maps and the Law

Sep 19, 2022

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about the challenges of colonial research in the southern U.S. We discuss two things to help, and a case study. Join us as we talk about annotating historical maps and discovering legal context. Diana shares about our ancestor John Carey Royston, his migration and divorce. Transcript Nicole (2s): This is Research Like a Pro episode 219 Southern Colonial research Maps and the Law. Welcome to Research...

RLP 218: Goldie May Subway Map with Richard Miller

Sep 12, 2022

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with Richard Miller, developer of the Goldie May research assistant application. He shares a new feature with us called the subway map. This tool is a timeline graph showing locations on the y-axis and times on the x-axis. It helps you see migration over time, spot errors, compare migrations of family members and FAN club members, and more. Transcript Nicole (3s): This is Research Like...

Creating Gephi Network Graphs Part 1: Gather Matches and Prepare Spreadsheets

Sep 9, 2022

RLP 217: Joanna West Case Study Part 2

Sep 5, 2022

Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about Nicole’s research findings about Joanna West. This is a continuation of episode 216, where Nicole shared her preparatory steps for using DNA evidence to test the hypothesis that Barsheba Tharp was the daughter of Joanna West. She tells about the deeds and estate records she found for Humphrey Arnold linking him to his children and heirs. She also shares the DNA matches she found who...