An Introduction to Forensic Genetic Genealogy
**Events may have been canceled or postponed. Please contact the venue to confirm the event.
Date & Time
Sat, Apr 15 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Address (map)
21 E. Constance Avenue, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Venue (website)
First Presbyterian Church
The Santa Barbara County Genealogical Society welcomes Dr. Penny Walters to the April meeting to provide a presentation on Forensic Genetic Genealogy.
Investigative genetic genealogy is the emerging practice of using genetic information from direct-to-consumer DNA test results for identifying potential suspects or victims in criminal cases. The resultant method of super-sleuthing familial relationships and then apprehending a potential suspect seems to divide the genealogy community. How can we take advantage of new technologies while maintaining an ethical approach?
About the Speaker:
Dr. Penny Walters has been a University lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching Masters Business studies at Bath Spa University, England; and previously undergraduate Psychology and Ethics. Penny’s interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed-race children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results. Penny lectures internationally in person, including throughout America, Australia, and Ireland, Penny is sought after for a wide range of conference and webinar topics. Penny has authored the books: Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy (2019) and The Psychology of Searching (2020), available on Amazon in paperback or on Kindle. Visit her website at https://www.searchmypast.co.uk.
Event Schedule
9:30 am – 10:30 am Special Interest Groups Meet (in-person only)
10:30 am – 11:00 am Business Meeting (in-person and via Zoom)
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Dr. Penny Walters Presentation (in-person and via Zoom)