SLIG 2022 Sponsor Highlight: FamilyTreeDNA

FamilyTreeDNA Updates and Open Q&A 

Janine Cloud, Group Projects Manager, gave us an overview of FamilyTreeDNA's updates and initiatives over the past year at Wednesday's sponsored presentation. 

2021 was a "Year of Change." New ownership, a new management team, and several product enhancements topped the list.

Product enhancements include:

• Introduction of myDNA Wellness - uses the Family Finder data to provide insights about fitness, nutrition, sleep, and more.
• An updated matching algorithm for Family Finder data, with modifications to match thresholds and a new match page layout
• Updated Y-DNA and FamilyFinder pages
• Updated MyOrigins with 90 populations
• Chromosome painter with a view of both continental regions and super populations
• Support videos

Projects and Initiatives:

• This past year FTDNA reached landmark levels with Y-Haplotree. This pedigree of human ancestry now has 50,000 branches and over 460,000 variants.
• In progress is the Million Mito Project - the tree of womankind. FTDNA is presently evaluating the sequences in the database to make it dynamic like the Y tree. 

We sincerely appreciate FTDNA's ongoing support of SLIG through course sponsorship.

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Janine Cloud, a fifth-generation Texan and registered member of the Cherokee Nation, became interested in genealogy when a grade school assignment to complete a pedigree chart prompted her to question family members about her ancestors. She started working at FamilyTreeDNA in 2011 where she created the Group Projects - Events team she now manages. Janine has given presentations at conferences such as the National Genealogical Society Conference, RootsTech, and RootsTech London, as well as numerous local organizations.

Double DNA Week: A Great Combination

"The practice of genealogy evidence evolves as new developments and technologies emerge." The second edition of Genealogy Standards was created to "keep pace" with emerging practices – most notably adding seven new standards relating to the use of DNA evidence.

Whether personal researcher or client-serving professional, it is imperative that we stay on top of these emerging practices. As it relates to the use of DNA as evidence, two of our more advanced SLIG courses come to mind:

• "Meeting Standards Using DNA Evidence – Research Strategies" with Karen Stanbary
• "DNA for the 21st-Century Professional" with Angie Bush

One course is offered during SLIG 2020, the other in the SLIG Academy for Professionals. Two great courses about how to best use DNA, offered in back to back weeks. Let's take a look at each:

Angie indicates that as professionals, "it is imperative that we be as familiar and comfortable with using DNA test results as we are with using census and vital records." Her course will familiarize students with the resources, tools, and methodologies needed to integrate the use of DNA with traditional document research; and address how to apply DNA to research questions, present information to clients, and ensure an ethical approach. She is joined by Blaine Bettinger and Paul Graham as additional faculty. The course runs during the SLIG Academy for Professionals, 19-24 January, 2020.

Karen specifically developed this new course at SLIG's request to help students understand and implement the newly codified DNA-related standards. Karen and eight other faculty members will introduce previously unsolvable cases – all solved with the use of both DNA and documentary sources. Students may also participate in the "DNA Dreamers," where they will discuss real-life "stuck" cases and consider best next steps. Course sponsorship by FTDNA allows for extended sessions beyond those the normal SLIG schedule. The course runs during SLIG, 12-18 January 2020.

Both programs are held at the Hilton SLC Center, just blocks from the Family History Library. SLIG provides shuttles to/from the FHL after class to help you have time with your own research.

We invite you to come sink your teeth into one or both courses, and make sure you are prepared to meet today's updated standards with DNA evidence.

Enter the DNA Dreamers

I had the opportunity to watch from the sidelines as Karen Stanbary developed this all-new course for SLIG: Meeting Standards Using DNA Evidence – Research Strategies. I admit that the title almost sounds a bit dry, and the prerequisites seem a bit daunting. But oh, if you can meet them and get to attend . . . what an amazing experience awaits!

Students taking this course will, in Karen's words: "Dissect familiar skills with a DNA Twist." 

Let's take a peek inside the classroom as it will exist in January:

Cases only Solvable with DNA Evidence

There are no fewer than eight (8) other instructors besides Karen presenting in this course. Each credentialed. Each with a strong DNA research background.

I see 15 case studies being presented – each one representing a long-standing brick wall that could not be solved without the skillful of DNA along with documentary sources. I see a panel of experts discussing the school of hard knocks so we can avoid the same mistakes.

I see the brain fog clearing and fear lifting as one learns how to apply the newly minted DNA-Related standards and the Genealogical Proof Standard to their work through daily dissection of cases and research strategies.

DNA Dreamers

Imagine being part of a DNA case "think tank" – analyzing, discussing, making recommendations to help the researcher decide on the best approach to resolution. Even more exciting – what if the case being discussed was one of yours? Several lucky students will provide a written summary of a real-life "stuck" case for the class to study and discuss. 

The "dreamers" discussions are optional, held after regular classroom hours, and not required to receive the completion certificate, but why would I not want to participate? Wow, just wow, is about all I can say.

Golden Nuggets

Naturally many handy tips and strategies will surface throughout the week. Students will collaborate to capture them into a take-home "Golden Nuggets Quicksheet." 

Thanks Karen for taking the time to put together this amazing course for SLIG 2020 students. 

And thanks to FamilyTreeDNA for their ongoing sponsorship support which enables us to take things to a new level when it comes to DNA education!

More Information: https://slig.ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=582#course-11 

National DNA Day is April 25, 2019!

National DNA Day is April 25th this year. Watch for testing companies to offer specials on purchasing DNA test kits.

National DNA Day commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the double helix of DNA in 1953. 

This year marks the 16th anniversary of DNA Day.

For more information, check out the American Society for Human Genetics website at http://www.ashg.org/education/dnaday_activities.shtml

If DNA is a topic that interests you and you are interested in learning more, both SLIG and SLIG Academy will be offering courses on DNA topics in 2020. Visit www.slig.ugagenealogy.org for more information.

FTDNA Joins SLIG as Sponsor of DNA Course

We are pleased to announce that Family Tree DNA has joined SLIG as sponsor of the DNA course for SLIG 2018.

Course 13: "A Practical Approach: Establishing Genealogical Proof with DNA," coordinated by Karen Stanbary, incorporates hands-on exercises, case studies, and analytical software in a lab-type setting throughout the course.

This sponsorship makes it possible for SLIG to provide additional staffing during those labs, as well as key reference documents for ongoing use, enhancing the student experience without the cost of additional tuition.

"Founded in 2000, Family Tree DNA pioneered the field of genetic genealogy and is the first company to offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing for genealogical purposes. Family Tree DNA offers the world’s most comprehensive matching database, helping to unlock family history and find DNA matches across the globe. 

"With a simple cheek swab, our advanced suite of tests provides interactive tools for users to further their research, determine ethnic and geographic origins, and discover shared ancestry across all lines. Testing through Family Tree DNA will help you break through brick walls and connect more dots on your family tree! 

"We also offer free-to-join volunteer led group projects covering genealogical topics from surnames, geographical regions, haplogroups and more. Family Tree DNA strives to continue bringing genealogy to life with innovation and exceptional user experiences. www.familytreedna.com"

Thank you FamilyTree DNA!