An unexpected match. An unfamiliar family name. A relationship that doesn't make sense. Sometimes DNA reveals a question before it reveals an answer.

DNA Mystery Research combines genetic genealogy with traditional family-history research to investigate the relationships and family connections hidden within your DNA results.

Explore My DNA Mystery

What Kind of DNA Mystery Are You Trying to Solve?

You don't need to know exactly what kind of DNA research you need. You just need a question.

DNA is a Clue.
The Research Connects the Pieces.

DNA matches rarely arrive with an explanation of exactly how everyone fits into the family tree.

Genetic genealogy research looks beyond an individual match. I examine relationships among matches, shared DNA, family trees, common ancestors, documentary records, and other available evidence to determine how the pieces may fit together.

Depending on your research question, the investigation may include DNA match analysis, relationship analysis, family-tree reconstruction, shared ancestor identification, documentary genealogy research, relationship hypotheses, testing strategies, and correlation of genetic and historical evidence.

01
Tell Me About
Your Mystery

How DNA Mystery Research Works

Share the DNA question you're trying to answer, what you already know, and where you've tested.

02
I'll Review Your Question

I'll determine whether your question fits my genetic genealogy and identity-discovery research services and whether the available information provides a reasonable starting point.

03
We Develop a
Research Strategy

If we move forward, I'll identify the DNA evidence, family trees, historical records, and research methods most appropriate for your question.

04
Follow the Evidence

I'll analyze and correlate the available evidence and explain what it supports, what remains uncertain, and what additional research or testing may help answer your question.

DNA Can Be Powerful Evidence—But Every Mystery Is Different.

DNA research does not always produce an immediate or definitive answer. What the evidence can reveal depends on many factors, including the DNA matches available, the amount of shared DNA, the relationships involved, the accuracy and availability of family trees and historical records, and which relatives have tested.

Sometimes the evidence strongly supports a relationship. Other times, the research may narrow the possibilities, identify a likely family line, or reveal the next best step.

My goal is not to promise an answer before the research begins. My goal is to follow the evidence wherever it leads.

Evidence Supports a Relationship
The available DNA and documentary evidence points toward a particular relationship or family connection.

Evidence Narrows the Possibilities
The research identifies a likely family, branch, or group of candidates requiring further investigation.

Evidence Identifies the Next Step
Additional research or DNA testing may be needed before a conclusion can be reached.

Privacy & Sensitive Discoveries

Your Family Story Deserves Care

DNA research can sometimes uncover unexpected or sensitive information involving parentage, adoption, previously unknown relatives, or other family relationships.

I approach these discoveries with discretion, respect, and confidentiality. You remain in control of the decisions you make about contacting or reconnecting with biological relatives.

Researching a biological connection does not require pursuing a personal relationship.

Not Sure Where to Start With DNA Testing?

DNA Mystery Research is designed primarily for individuals who already have DNA results available for analysis—but you do not need to have tested before contacting me.

If you're trying to answer a specific biological-family or relationship question and haven't tested yet, you may still submit an inquiry. I can review your research objective and help determine which type of DNA test—and which testing company—may provide the most useful evidence for your particular question.

If you've already tested, there's no need to purchase another test before contacting me. We'll first look at the results and matches you already have and determine whether additional testing could strengthen the research.

The right DNA test depends on the question you're trying to answer.

DNA testing can provide valuable evidence, but no test can guarantee that a particular relationship or individual will be identified.

Tell Me About Your DNA Mystery

You don't need to know exactly what kind of DNA research you need. Tell me what you're trying to discover, and I'll review your inquiry to determine whether I can help.

No payment is required to submit an inquiry. I'll review your question and let you know whether DNA Mystery Research is a good fit for your situation.

  • DNo. While DNA Mystery Research primarily works with existing DNA results, you may contact me before testing. If you have a specific research question, I can help determine which type of DNA test and testing company may be most useful.

  • DeUnknown-parentage research is one type of genetic genealogy investigation I handle. Whether a particular person can be identified depends on the available DNA matches and supporting evidence, so a specific outcome cannot be guaranteed.

  • Not necessarily. I'll first consider the results you already have and your research objective. Additional testing may sometimes be recommended if it could provide useful evidence.

  • Yes. Unexpected parentage and previously unknown biological relationships can be investigated through genetic genealogy. These situations are approached privately, respectfully, and without judgment.

  • Not automatically. Contacting a DNA match or potential biological relative is a separate decision that should be discussed as part of the research strategy. You remain in control of whether you want to pursue personal contact.

  • DNA Mystery Research focuses primarily on genetic relationships and biological family connections rather than interpreting ethnicity percentages alone.

  • Genetic genealogy can involve families from many locations. If documentary research outside my areas of experience becomes necessary, I'll evaluate the location, language, available records, and scope of the research. If specialized expertise is needed, I'll let you know.