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INVESTIGATIVE GENETIC GENEALOGY ASSOCIATION

Many Paths. One Community.


Upcoming events

    • 26 Aug 2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • Online
    Register


    This members-only focus group will explore what professional development looks like in IGG beyond completing training or securing a job or volunteer role. Members will discuss the practical ways people can strengthen their skills, judgment, professional presence, relationships, and readiness for future opportunities in a field without a single established career path. The conversation will also help IGGA better understand members’ development needs and where the association can make a meaningful contribution.

    ZOOM link to be sent out the day of meeting.

    Registration closes the night before meetup.

    Meetup will begin at 8:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM PDT



    • 8 Sep 2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • Online
    Register


    While most IGG practitioners have a basic understanding of CODIS, this talk will take a deeper look at the mechanics of the database and the rules governing its use. Participants will gain a better understanding of the questions to ask when fully vetting their hypotheses and how to verify what it means when they are told someone is “in CODIS.”

    Lesley Perry is the Unit Supervisor and Technical Manager of the CODIS Unit at the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, where she has worked for more than 21 years. During her tenure, she pioneered the agency’s in-house investigative genetic genealogy program and serves as one of its in-house researchers.

    Lesley holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Dallas and a Master of Science from the University of Central Oklahoma. She also completed the Certificate in Genealogical Research program at Boston University. Most recently, she has served as a member of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association Steering Committee.

    Registration closes the night before webinar.

    Webinar will begin at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

    Link to be sent out by email on the day of webinar.


    • 15 Sep 2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • Online
    Register


    As Investigative Genetic Genealogy continues to grow, genealogists are finding new opportunities across public and private sectors. Using published recommendations for hiring qualified Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) practitioners, this presentation explores the knowledge, technical skills, ethical foundations, and professional competencies needed for success, helping attendees evaluate their readiness, identify areas for growth, and better understand their place in the evolving field.   Published Report with Recommendations

    Wendy McLean is a genealogist specializing in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) at the Center for Human Identification (CHI) UNT Health Fort Worth. CHI is the first publicly funded crime laboratory to perform both forensic genetic genealogy testing and investigative genetic genealogy in-house.

    She has collaborated on forensic casework with Bode Technology, Redgrave Research, the DNA Doe Project, and the Cold Case Coalition. Wendy also served as a Practitioner-in-Residence at the University of New Haven’s Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences, contributing to the Graduate Certificate Program in Forensic Genetic Genealogy.

    Wendy holds a B.S. in Biology from Mississippi College and a Graduate Certificate in Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven. She serves as Chair of NTVIC’s Public Entity Investigative Genetic Genealogist Subcommittee.

    Registration closes the night before webinar.

    Webinar will begin at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT

    Link to be sent out by email on the day of webinar.


    This talk will not be recorded. 


    • 23 Sep 2026
    • 8:00 PM
    • Online
    Registration is closed


    IGGA Connect is a monthly members-only gathering for conversation, connection, and community. These informal virtual meetups offer a welcoming space for members to introduce themselves, discuss topics relevant to IGG practice, share ideas, and build professional relationships in a relaxed setting.

    ZOOM link to be sent via email out the day of meeting.

    Registration closes the night before meetup.

    Meetup will begin at 8:00 PM EDT / 5:00 PM PDT



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