20 March 2025
|
Curious about how DNA testing can help trace your family history? In this exclusive interview, research scientist and genetic genealogy expert Dr Sophie Kay shares her journey into the world of DNA, how it’s transformed family history research, and her top tips for making the most of your DNA results.
How did you first get in to DNA?
I remember being fascinated by the idea of DNA from the age of about six – but my first professional steps towards working with DNA happened when I was 22, when I got to extract and sequence my own DNA in a lab as part of my training as a research scientist (yes, we’re talking white coats and lab specs – the lot!).
Once you’ve done this first-hand, you’re into a world of endless wonder.
What do you really enjoy about DNA?
DNA is gloriously versatile, but for me the human element is the most important.
Genetic genealogy gives us a means of seeing how we’re connected to one another, of finding lost relatives and birth families, and understanding how we each fit into the vast sweep of human history.
Sophie will be speaking at this year's DNA Discoveries online event!
Exploring the Limits of Autosomal DNA
Date & Time: 8 April, 7:30 PM
Speaker: Dr Sophie Kay
Details: Dive into the science behind DNA: fascinating and informative, this presentation will provide much clearer understanding of the facts that underpin our family history DNA tests.
Tickets: Buy Individual Ticket - £12 | Buy DNA Discoveries Bundle
Can you recall a lightbulb moment, when using DNA?
So many – usually from working on unknown ancestor mysteries for private clients! The moment when you see how the puzzle pieces fit together and can identify the person you’re looking for brings a feeling I’ll never tire of.
What’s your top tip you’d like to share, for people using DNA for family history?
We call it genetic genealogy for a reason – so the genetic evidence of how much DNA you share with your matches, who matches with whom and on which DNA segments, should always sit at the heart of your arguments for identifying an unknown ancestor.
Tree-building for your matches is a vital skill, but don’t let the distraction of names and places override what the DNA is telling you!
Tell us about the DNA education activities you’re involved in
DNA teaching is fun for the discussion it prompts!
Right now I’m busy writing two brand-new distance-learning qualifications in genetic genealogy for the Institute of Heraldic and Genealogical Studies (IHGS, www.ihgs.ac.uk), where I’m the specialist tutor in DNA.
They’re called the Intermediate and Advanced Certificates in DNA and Genetic Genealogy and will open to students later in 2025. I also have a blog, The Parchment Rustler (www.parchmentrustler.com) where I write about family history research and how we can do it well – good research shouldn’t ever be dull!
Tell us about any DNA projects or organisations that you’re involved with
It’s a delight to be the new Scientist in Residence for The Mixed Museum (mixedmuseum.org.uk), a digital space which curates and shares the histories of mixed-heritage people in Britain through the ages.
I’m developing a range of genetic genealogy resources for them, to help people navigate DNA testing in search of recent unknown ancestors.
I’m also the ‘Ancestry & Genealogy Expert’ for popular archaeology show, Time Team, which lets me combine the joys of genetic analysis with traditional archival work in pursuit of the past.
Find out more about Sophie’s research services at www.khronicle.co.uk
