A high level introduction to DNA and how it can be used in genealogy research. This presentation goes over the basics of the topic and clarifies some of the many acronyms encountered. Also covered are some of the types of DNA tests and DNA databases currently available to the researcher.

Carol R. Whitmer is a professional genealogist and researcher and has been doing family and genealogical research for over 45 years. By happy coincidence, she ended up relocating from the western United States back “home” to Connecticut, where many of her ancestors were born. An author and active researcher, she regularly teaches genealogy courses and lectures on various genealogical topics including genealogy for beginners, New England genealogy resources, DNA for genealogists, land records, and electronically available genealogical resources.

Carol is also the founder of “Time Unraveler”, which provides historical and genealogical research services, programming, consulting and education for individuals, organizations, and businesses. She has also been a consultant for the Travel Channel and for Ancestry.com. Carol is a Certified Genealogist (CG) ® and holds a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven as well as a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. Prior to becoming a full-time genealogist, Carol worked as an engineer. She holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah.

Carol is a member of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council, the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, and the Association of Professional Genealogists. She is a past Secretary of the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Historical Society, where she also acted as the consulting genealogist. She is a past President of the Board of Governors of the Connecticut Society of Genealogists as well as past Vice-President of the Connecticut Professional Genealogists Council. When not doing genealogical research, she can be found onboard her sailboat sailing the waters off of the New England coast.