Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence. In 2007 he started The Genetic Genealogist (www.thegeneticgenealogist.com), one of the earliest blogs on the topic. Blaine is the author of The Family Tree Guide to DNA Testing and Genetic Genealogy, and co-author with Debbie Parker Wayne of the award-winning Genetic Genealogy in Practice, the world’s first genetic genealogy workbook. He also co-authored “Genetics for Genealogy” with Judy Russell in 2018’s Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice & Standards (ProGen PPS) (Elizabeth Shown Mills, Author and Editor).

Blaine is a graduate of ProGen Study Group 21, a trustee for the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society, and a member of the DNAngels Board of Directors since 2022 (President since January 2023), and a member of the Scientific Working Group on DNA Analysis Methods (SWGDAM) “Investigative Genetic Genealogy Working Group” since 2019. He is also the founder in 2017 of Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques, a very active Facebook group with more than 75,000 members.

Blaine's Upcoming Live Webinars (4)

Wed, April 9 2025: 18:00 UTC
Foundations in DNA 2 of 5: Understanding and Using Y-DNA and mtDNA
Wed, April 9 2025: 18:00 UTC
Y-DNA and mtDNA have revolutionized genealogical research, breaking through barriers that once seemed insurmountable. This session dives into the unique inheritance patterns of Y-DNA and mtDNA, showing how these tests trace ancient ancestry and identify relationships both close and distant. Gain insights into their application for solving lineage mysteries and uncovering ancestral connections.
Y-DNA and mtDNA have revolutionized genealogical research, breaking through barriers that once seemed insurmountable. This session dives into the unique inheritance patterns of Y-DNA and mtDNA, showing how these tests trace ancient ancestry and identify relationships both close and distant. Gain insights into their application for solving lineage mysteries and uncovering ancestral connections.
Wed, April 9 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, June 4 2025: 18:00 UTC
Foundations in DNA 3 of 5: Understanding Autosomal DNA
Wed, June 4 2025: 18:00 UTC
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) is a powerful tool for genealogists, offering a window into your broader family tree. This lecture explores the science of atDNA inheritance, its strengths and limitations, and practical ways to apply it to your genealogical research. Discover how atDNA can help you identify unknown ancestors, connect with relatives, and solve family mysteries.
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) is a powerful tool for genealogists, offering a window into your broader family tree. This lecture explores the science of atDNA inheritance, its strengths and limitations, and practical ways to apply it to your genealogical research. Discover how atDNA can help you identify unknown ancestors, connect with relatives, and solve family mysteries.
Wed, June 4 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, August 6 2025: 18:00 UTC
Foundations in DNA 4 of 5: Using Shared Matching
Wed, August 6 2025: 18:00 UTC
Shared matching is an essential strategy for tackling genealogical puzzles and breaking through brick walls. In this lecture, we’ll demonstrate how to use shared matches effectively, focusing on strategies to solve mysteries related to ancestors from the 1900s, 1800s, and beyond. Learn how this technique can reveal hidden connections and strengthen your research.
Shared matching is an essential strategy for tackling genealogical puzzles and breaking through brick walls. In this lecture, we’ll demonstrate how to use shared matches effectively, focusing on strategies to solve mysteries related to ancestors from the 1900s, 1800s, and beyond. Learn how this technique can reveal hidden connections and strengthen your research.
Wed, August 6 2025: 18:00 UTC
Wed, October 1 2025: 18:00 UTC
Foundations in DNA 5 of 5: Understanding Ethnicity Estimates
Wed, October 1 2025: 18:00 UTC
Ethnicity estimates can provide a fascinating glimpse into your ancestral origins, but understanding their scope and limitations is key. This session examines how testing companies generate ethnicity estimates, what they reveal, and how they can be used in genealogical research. Discover how to interpret these estimates in the context of your family history and integrate them with other tools for a more complete picture of your heritage.
Ethnicity estimates can provide a fascinating glimpse into your ancestral origins, but understanding their scope and limitations is key. This session examines how testing companies generate ethnicity estimates, what they reveal, and how they can be used in genealogical research. Discover how to interpret these estimates in the context of your family history and integrate them with other tools for a more complete picture of your heritage.
Wed, October 1 2025: 18:00 UTC

Blaine's Webinars (29)