DNA has become one of the most essential tools in genealogy for verifying traditional family tree research and breaking brick walls but it can also throw up shocks, surprises and confusing questions at times.
In this full day course, Michelle will guide you through the key aspects required to understand unexpected DNA results from how to identify if you have any unexpected results right through to how to analyse and work with your mystery DNA matches to uncover how and where they belong in your family tree.
The course will cover both close unexpected DNA results such as not matching to a parent or grandparent's lines or matching to hitherto unknown close relatives as well as more distant family history mysteries such as 'why don't I have any matches to my 2nd great grandfather's line?' or 'how does this group of matches who all descend from the same common ancestors relate to me?'
The course will provide practical guidance on spotting and working with unexpected results as well as step-by-step demonstrations and genuine case studies. If you have any unexpected DNA matches in your results or you would just like to learn how to identify and work with them if any come along in the future then this course will provide the foundation you need to do so.
- 20% Discount for all Society of Genealogists Members
- Recordings available until 14 April 2026 for everyone who pre-books
Click here for information about our events. Contact events@sog.org.uk if you have any questions.
Programme details
| Talk 1 | Online | 14/03/2026 | 14:00 - 15:15 | |
| Talk 2 | Online | 14/03/2026 | 15:30 - 16:45 | |
| Talk 3 | Online | 14/03/2026 | 18:00 - 19:15 | |
| Q&A | Online | 14/03/2026 | 19:30 - 20:30 |
About the Speaker
Michelle Leonard
Michelle Leonard is a Scottish professional genealogist, DNA detective, speaker, educator, author and historian with a wealth of experience in both the traditional and genetic genealogy fields. She runs her own genealogy and DNA consultancy business, Genes & Genealogy, specializing in solving all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries and verifying and enhancing family trees using a combination of DNA results analysis and traditional research methodologies. She also undertakes the creation and teaching of DNA courses, coaching, consultations, lecturing, webinars, podcasts, media consultancy and article, blog and book writing commissions. Additionally, she is known for her work on the WW1 Fromelles Genealogy Project, is a co-author of 'DNA: A Guide For Family Historians' and is a regular speaker at major global genealogy events.
