From Nameless to Known: How DNA Doe Project Brings Justice to the Forgotten

Imagine working for years to provide answers to just one family. At ISHI 35, we sat down with Jennifer Randolph, Executive Director of Case Management at DNA Doe Project, to discuss how this nonprofit is transforming forensic genealogy and giving names back to the unknown. With over 100 dedicated volunteer genealogists, DNA Doe Project has […]

The Identification of Suspected Vampire “JB55”

Travis chats with Ellen Greytak, the director of Bioinformatics, of Parabon NanonLabs who describes the identification of “JB55” who had died in the 1800’s. Unlike other burials of that time in the area, his skull and femurs were neatly arranged in the shape of a skull and crossbones, leading archaeologists to conclude that the man […]

Accreditation in FIGG: Ensuring Integrity and Trust in Forensic Investigations

Interviews written and collated by Rachel Oefelein, Chief Scientific Officer at DNA Labs International, Michael Coble, Executive Director, Center for Human Identification, UNTHSC, and Erin Sweeney, VP of Forensic Operations, Bode Technology Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. Since Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) was first introduced to the general public in 2018, accredited […]

Comparative Evaluation of Genotyping Technologies for FIGG in Sexual Assault Casework

Today’s sponsored guest blog is written by Bode Technology. What is FIGG? Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) pairs advanced genotyping technologies with traditional genealogical research to provide investigative leads for unknown DNA evidence when CODIS searching is unproductive. It gained worldwide attention as an investigative tool after the 2018 arrest of the suspected Golden State […]

Enhancing Forensic Accuracy: Comparative Evaluation of Genotyping Technologies in FIGG

Today’s guest blog is written by Mike Cariola, CEO, Bode Technology and Abigail S. Bathrick, Senior Research Scientist, Bode Technology Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission. What is FIGG? Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) pairs advanced genotyping technologies with traditional genealogical research methods to provide investigative leads for unknown DNA evidence when CODIS searching is […]

Navigating the New: Ethical and Practical Considerations in Forensic Genealogy

Amy and Nicole, two leading experts in the realm of forensic science, delve into one of the most buzzed-about topics: forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG). In this interview, they share their insights and experiences on the cutting-edge developments and applications of FIGG in solving cold cases and advancing forensic investigations.   Throughout this discussion, Amy […]

Identifying Jane Doe X-1

Today’s guest blog is written by Olivia McCarter, Genealogy Analyst, Moxxy Forensic Investigations, Mobile County Sheriff’s Office. Reposted from the ISHI Report with permission.   May 18th, 1976 was a warm day in Grand Bay, Alabama. Two teenage boys headed out to Session’s Creek with plans to go fishing when they instead discovered the discarded remains of […]

Reduce Research Hours by Utilizing X-DNA Matches

Today’s blog is written by guest blogger Rhonda Kevorkian, DNA Doe Project   Are you using all the clues of autosomal DNA? The X chromosome can play a crucial role in complementing autosomal DNA results. The unique inheritance pattern can provide valuable clues, eliminating lines as you build family trees saving valuable research time.   […]