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...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with Deborah Keyes, a member of our recent Research Like a Pro with DNA study group. Debbie shares her research project from the study group, which focused on proving a relationship between a Slagle man of European descent and a Carrington woman of African descent who lived in Virginia in the late 1800s. Genetic networks showed that there were many DNA matches between the descendants...
We are starting a new series called Research Like a Pro with DNA Q&A. Study group and eCourse members ask questions, and we answer them with a short video. Today, the question is: “what is the significance of the first cluster in an AutoCluster or Collins Leeds Method chart?” I answer the question by showing an example of a MyHeritage AutoCluster chart where the clusters are ordered by size (number of matches in the...
In a previous post, I wrote about making a network graph using the RootsFinder triangulation/cluster view with AncestryDNA shared matches. Today, I’m sharing how to make a network graph at RootsFinder with MyHeritage matches. RootsFinder can create a network graph based on segment triangulation, which is a unique feature. You can also create a separate MyHeritage network graph using just shared matches (and no triangulation data). I will show how to do both types of...
RootsFinder, owned by FindMyPast, is a family tree building and DNA analysis website. The premium level allows the use of DNA features and costs $5 a month. RootsFinder has a DNA feature called the triangulation (cluster) view, which allows you to view your matches in clusters – otherwise known as a network graph. In a network graph, the nodes are DNA matches and the connecting lines are shared match connections. I’m sharing how to view...
Can DNA help us discover an unknown 4th great-grandfather? In the hopes that it can, I’m returning to my brick wall of identifying Cynthia (Dillard) Royston’s father. The Research Like a Pro with DNA study group is a perfect way to tackle a persistent research question. The structure of the assignments helps me stay on track and the process keeps me moving forward. I’ll be sharing my progress in this series. Will I finally be...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is about Family Tree DNA’s family matching and bucketing system, which is part of the Family Finder autosomal test. After linking a DNA match to your family tree at their website, the family matching algorithm uses phased matching to assign maternal and paternal icons/buckets to your matches. Adding close matches and up to third cousins helps you take advantage of this helpful tool. Listen in as we discuss...
When we work with DNA in our family history research, one of the first steps is to separate the DNA matches into groups or genetic networks. The Leeds Method by Dana Leeds was developed a few years ago as a way to separate DNA matches manually. This method was revolutionary in genetic genealogy! Evert-Jan Blom of Genetic Affairs was the first to create a readily available way of automating separating DNA matches into groups. This...
Today’s episode of Research Like a Pro is an interview with one of our Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse members, Allison Kotter. In this series, Allison shares her experience studying each lesson in the course and how she has applied the lessons to her own family. This first episode covers the assignments for lessons 1 and 2. We discuss pedigree analysis, assessing close matches, clustering with the Leeds Method, beginning a correspondence log,...
Allison Kotter is sharing her experience with the Research Like a Pro with DNA online course. Here’s her first post! – Nicole After doing traditional genealogy work as a hobby for years, I began learning the Research Like a Pro process to elevate my work to the professional level. As I started listening to the podcast, I noticed that research with DNA was mentioned a lot! Like a lot of you, I found the whole...
