Got DNA? Have I got a project for you! [closed]

+44 votes
3.3k views

The DNA Project would love to have you throw yourself into our DNA Project Gene Pool. The Mission of the project is simply to organize those of us who are interested in how WikiTree can integrate DNA test results with our shared limbs on WikiTree, as well as to find ways to expand the usage of genealogical DNA on WikiTree. Project members take primary responsibility for performing project tasks and helping members with DNA related questions offering assistance as needed.

Post an answer below and DNA Leader Kitty Cooper Smith will get you badged.

Mags

closed with the note: Opening a new Join post - this one is very large!
in Requests for Project Volunteers by Mags Gaulden G2G6 Pilot (638k points)
closed by Mags Gaulden
Please remove me from DNA project and take down my Tag. Thanks for all help while I was member.

Billie
Iain, you indicate that ScotlandsDNA does not "transfer". I'm not sure if that included downloading. Gedmatch's beta genesis is designed to upload from just about any site.

Ken, thanks for your comments. I'd be very interested  - as I'm sure would many others be -  if you could let us know how you were able to download your Scotland's DNA results. To the best of my knowledge, they and their associated companies never made their raw results available to their customers.

Unlike FamilyTreeDNA, Ancestry etc Scotland's DNA was more about deep ancestry rather than cousin finding.

 

Can you incorporate my own family history research into your results?

At present, we cannot incorporate your own family history research into your results. Our tests look at deep ancestry, tracing your genetic history over millennia back into prehistory, and will not usually be able to tell you much about more recent family history, or "bridge the gap" with your own research. 

However, we ask for some details of your known family history in order to contribute to our ongoing research into the genetic make-up of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is hoped that as more people are tested, and more recent genetic markers discovered, we will be able to relate our results much more closely to more recent history. 

 

Will I be able to compare my results to others to find possible relations?

No. We test for deep ancestry and your results are unlikely to help you contact living relatives, or indeed provide information on recent family history. Unlike other DNA ancestry companies which use short tandem repeats (STRs) and compare results to find possible matches, our SNP marker testing offers the best insight into your ancient genetic heritage. 

 

https://www.mydna.global/faqs/#WillIbeabletocomparemyresultstootherstofindpossiblerelations

I'd love to join! I'm so interested in how this works :D
Great Valerie! Mags

Iain, I wasn't very clear, my comment was intended to more of a question.  You indicated that ScotlandsDNA does not "transfer". I wanted to be sure you that you didn't mean "transfer" as into FTDNA or Gedmatch. This was true up until Gedmatch's Genesis. If there was some sort of raw data download or report, then you could see if Genesis accepts it.

Is this project "closed"? Would love to help out. I managed surnames Johnson and Clark Ydna results for years at familytreedna.com. Still do surname Leftwich.

It's the thread that is closed - the project has moved to a more functional project so we are looking for members who are ready to help.

The new DNA Project Join Post is here and explains where the project is going and why we need help! You sound like someone who might have some DNA Skills to share!

Mags

interested in helping out here. I have yet to figure how to certify my male tested lines as a female, so a bit of a learning curve. I do have many years experience with familytreedna.com and especially y results, ... don't do so much with MT b/c I don't really consider those as proper genetic chain.
I would like to join please.

61 Answers

+20 votes
Finally.....I got my DNA done and my brother did his Y DNA....where do we start?????
by Robin Lee G2G6 Pilot (852k points)
Very helpful link Mags.

Robin,

I recommend everyone go to the ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogy) and follow their various links to learn about DNA and what to do.  For autosomal, here's the link to that page (follow the links on that page to read about what to do with your results):  http://isogg.org/wiki/Portal:Autosomal_DNA

There is free software available online to help you work with your autosomal DNA to identify triangulated group and map chromosomes.  Before you think about that, read the various articles on the ISOGG site.  Feel free to send me a PM if you have questions or want more assistance.

I remember readinga G2G thread questioning whether the following was true if your profile was private: "We automatically connect the fact that you've taken a test to ancestors' and cousins' profiles where your test might be valuable."
If not, that page should be clarified. If the first thing someone New to DNA tries does not work, they are likely to quit.
+11 votes
I'd love to but don't have a lot of time to devote to it. :(
by Rosemary Jones G2G6 Pilot (260k points)
+14 votes
I consider myself very new to the topic of DNA genealogy, but I'm very interested in what can be done with it.
by Stephen Haley G2G6 Mach 2 (25.3k points)
Stephen, please see my comment above to Robin with regard to the ISOGG site and articles about DNA and what to do with your test results.
I've been reading quite a bit at ISOGG, and I've uploaded to gedmatch.  It's very slow going with most of the matching tools I've found; I've had one match that was closer than a 4th cousin on 23andMe, and that was a branch I was mostly familiar with (I'd been in touch with his nephew a few years back).  Everything else has been quite slow going.

I should say I'm very interested in what more we can do with DNA here at WikiTree.
+6 votes
For anyone knowledgeable to take WikiTree seriously, the best thing you could do is to get Chris to change the autosomal links back to a reasonable limit.  It's totally goofed up now with links back to early 1700s.  That doesn't directly affect Y or mt use but it does affect the general psychology of tracking connections here.
by Living Anonymous G2G6 Mach 5 (51.2k points)
What do you mean?  Do you think the limits should farther back or not as far?  I have an ancestor which has a Ancestry DNA circle of 15 people and he was born in the 1700s.  Sure not many descendents, percentagewise will have auDNA matches of an individual that far back, but likely enough to triangulate back as far as the early 1700s and probably occasionally into the 1600s.
FWIW I (and the kits I monitor/manage) have at least one fully triangulated match with several members of a family that were in Delaware by 1700 - mine being still back in England for quite some time after that!

Prior to the last change I'm aware of, to 8 degrees of separation, I didn't even show up as likely sharing atDNA with my own tested 2nd cousins.

I prefer the current 8 degrees of separation.
I think the answer is to encourage people to upload to GedMatch and try to triangulate.  When two or more autosomal DNA tests show up on a page for one of my ancestors, if they've uploaded to GedMatch, I check to see if they match.  If they do match, I add a DNA section to the bio, showing the match.  For one of my ancestors (early 1700s), so far we have three pairs of matches.  I'm just waiting for someone else to show up and triangulate one of those pairs.  And that, I think, is part of what it's all about, the testing and the collaboration.
The only DNA matches I can find are the 1700s and 1600s, its because some of my matches are from a few ancestors, and sometimes its only the ancestor from that 1700 era. I try checking the siblings names and the uncommon names first to guide me which direction I connect as I add to my tree. I am enjoying it, and I hope its okay I added my own DNA section to the profiles ancestors I match while I am trying to connect  to the One wikitree. Sometimes I can find the ancestors I match prior to 1700s but cant figure out where they go on my own gedcom tree. I am doing as much as I can while waiting for more tools, or people to come to wikitree. I will check out the tools mentioned on this page and reply after I try it out.
+12 votes
I have only recently started working with DNA results for my family. I am very interested in getting a stronger grasp on using DNA for Genealogical purposes. I have 40 years of research experience in genealogy and a background in biology with a strong interest in genetics. I am currently working on triangulation reports for 4 different kits and working

Depending on what skill set you need to help, I would be interested in the project. I would be interested in learning more about the project .
by Sharon Ray G2G6 Mach 1 (13.7k points)

We need all skill sets Sharon. Shucks, they let me co-lead the thing! :-)

Tasks a look at the Project Tasks and sign yourself up. If you have questions shoot me a note!

Mags

 

+10 votes

I'm new to WikiTree (new enough that I got pinged to change my privacy levels after DNA-confirming some links for the first time yesterday). But I love what I have seen of WikiTree's DNA resources so far, have browsed the DNA Project Tasks, and would be happy to help.

by Steve Stuart G2G1 (1.0k points)
Great Steve - just badged you.

Mags
Thanks.

Given that Kay is currently schooling me in privacy and etiquette as a I add DNA tests, I'd better wait until my newt status wears off before jumping onto the Task grid, lest I cause more problems than I solve. But I'll be up to speed soon.
No problema Steve. As Kay and you work you can figure out what you'd like to do on the list. :-) Mags
I New not sure about task do we use the DNA Tag as with other projects if so don't see the Tag to use on profiles. I did my DNA with several companies hoping to be able to make links on dead end families and figure out how I fit in. I finding Groupings for father and different Relitives but I not real great with DNA. Thanks for adding me to project I hope my DNA helps others as well.

Billie
Yes, please use the DNA tag, especially here in G2G so you will see the latest discussions and happening with the project.

Mags
Oh I have Question Mag,

If someone connects DNA wise do they contact you? And I see some profiles that I can't do stuff with so I can't change privacy. I just put the DNA tab on lines I know I have DNA hits with. If I got whole line in FTDNA do I put the black tab on each profile. I haven't seen the name in brackets or would have started placing it. Useally you have template but don't see one to put the stuff on. Here a real stupid one I came acrossed I got mom and dad groupings but do you count if you find say great grandpa on moms or dad side that several generations back is that also part of your groupings. Found those grouping on one 4 generations back said it different them mom and dads lol. Maybe should give up DNA so messed up here it wonder not sprouting fins lol.

Billie
+9 votes
I have had a DNA project badge since I joined Wiki, but I  haven't seen how I can help further the project goal yet.  Would love to be more involved.
by Emma MacBeath G2G Astronaut (1.2m points)

Yay Em! The Project Page has Tasks and you can jump in with both feet!

Thanks,

Mags

done!  Thanks:-)
+10 votes
Would love to participate in the DNA Project. I manage six DNA profiles at ancestry and have uploaded to Gedmatch. Additionally, have linked our DNA to WikiTree.

Exciting times in the DNA world.
by M. Meredith G2G6 Pilot (133k points)

Hey Geneadiva!

Head over to the Project page and add yourself to the tasks lists. Add yourself to the one you feel fits you - in my mind you might be a great at working on our Resources?

Mags

+11 votes
There are a lot of great projects on Wikitree that touch on every interest and offer an opportunity to make a real contribution to the Wikitree community as a whole.  In terms of potential to connect us and open new paths of genealogical research the DNA project has to included as being right at the top of those great projects.  Please count me in as a project member.
by David Douglass G2G6 Pilot (126k points)

Hey Daivd,

You have been badged - head over to the Project Tasks and add yourself to something you feel comfortable doing.

Mags

+9 votes
I'm new to DNA and not sure what I am doing but think this might be a good way to learn more so count me in.
by Connie Graves G2G6 Mach 5 (58.2k points)

You have been badged - head over to the Project Tasks and add yourself to something you feel comfortable doing. Since you are new to DNA, posting notes about privacy to people may help in a big way.

When you post DNA test information on a WikiTree profile, WikiTree needs to be able to see the profile Family Tree Tab (top of WikiTree Profile) make DNA connections down the ancestral lines. Please be sure that the Privacy level on the profile and all of the ancestors are at a level that allows everyone to see the Family Tree tab. For further on the available Privacy levels needed to facilitate this, please see  Privacy settings and DNA Thanks!

Mags

Will do Mags.  Thanks for the suggestion.  I am headed over to Project Tasks right now.

Connie
+9 votes
I have tests for three generations on my maternal line with a very good paper trail to match it.
by Elizabeth Townsend G2G6 Mach 2 (21.7k points)

Hey Elizabeth,

You have been badged - head over to the Project Tasks and add yourself to something you feel comfortable doing.

I hate to be repetitive, but...

When you post DNA test information on a WikiTree profile, WikiTree needs to be able to see the profile Family Tree Tab (top of WikiTree Profile) make DNA connections down the ancestral lines. Please be sure that the Privacy level on the profile and all of the ancestors are at a level that allows everyone to see the Family Tree tab. For further on the available Privacy levels needed to facilitate this, please see  Privacy settings and DNA Thanks!

Mags

+9 votes
Like everyone, my free time is limited but I am willing to help when I can.
by Charles Fueston G2G1 (1.8k points)

Charles, head over to the project page and look through the tasks to see if there is something that suits you...Please and Thanks! Mags

+10 votes
I have autosomal DNA test via FTDNA and am listed at Gedmatch as well.

I am interested.  I have made connections with DNA cousins on both my Father and Mother side of my line so I marked them as confirmed with DNA because I could not match to these cousins if not through them.

I put out this 3 century tree for one branch of my line  https://www.wikitree.com/g2g/349466/shared-photo-walter-family-tree-over-centuries-families-shown
by Laura Bozzay G2G6 Pilot (824k points)
edited by Laura Bozzay

Laura, head over to the project page and look through the tasks to see if there is something that suits you...Please and Thanks! Mags

  • DNA and Adoption How to use WikiTree and DNA to help in the search for Birth family.   I am working with a woman in Australia that is adopted.  She and I matched via autosomal DNA and we are trying to figure out how.  So this is of interest to me.  Also I have adopted family members so I see where this will be of interest for a long time.  
  • I also love to research so Help & Resources  I would be happy to start compiling an anotated bibliography of online and offfline sources of information.  
  • I do a lot of tree analysis of several groups by loading multiple gedcoms into excel and comparing them.  This helps to find duplicates with different entry formats (example Johan Michael vs Jean Michel) with the same last name and birth date is the same name... one in German and one in French.  Some areas of France / Germany went back and forth and the same person can be listed in both formats.  
Great, just great Laura. Wa want to roll the Resources off to thier own pages so I'll set that up for you later today. This is just great!

Mags
Mags, let me know what you would like me to do and where to do it!  Happy to help.  I am going to be in an out a lot this week because I have a big show this weekend but next week I should be around more to be able to dive in.
+9 votes
I am very keen to help where I can at Wikitree, but with all my current commitments I don't feel I can take on any of the new tasks suggested  on the project page.  I will continue to offer advice and support through the G2G forum and am keen to help develop and refine any Wikitree procedures etc through that forum as well.  

I have proposed and partially initiated an Australian Convicts and Free Settlers DNA project aligned to the one of a similar name at FTDNA.  I intend to continue to progress this project in the coming months.
by Veronica Williams G2G6 Pilot (213k points)
Got you added as a G2G person for the project, Thanks Veronica!

Mags
+9 votes
If you are still looking for volunteers I would like to sign up. I have taken the AncestryDNA test and have had several family members tested as well. (We all also uploaded to gedmatch.)  I would be willing to help with whatever is most needed.
by Janis Tomko G2G6 Mach 1 (18.4k points)

That's great, Janis!  Head over to the Project Page to see what task you might like to take on. If you decide this is for you, you can contact one of the project leaders for a DNA Project badge.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!  Emma--DNA Project Coordinator

Thanks Emma! I looked to see where help is still needed. I could send out the privacy change message, check test information validity and/or be a DNA helper. Just a caveat - my personal experience is with autosomal testing at Ancestry. I also use gedmatch and genome mate pro, but I haven't tested or uploaded to FTDNA or 23andMe so I'm not familiar with those sites.
Fantastic!  Let me know which one interests you the most and I will put you on the schedule.  I will also let Mags know that you need a DNA project badge.
Thanks Emma! Can you sign me up for DNA helper and also Check test information validity.
Done!  And I see you have your DNA project badge already.  Feel free to contact one of the leaders or myself if you run into any questions.
+9 votes
I will try and help out too. Still learning, But I like it. :-)
by Amy Trafton-Simer G2G Crew (950 points)

Fantastic Amy!  Check out the Project Task page to see what task you might like to do.  If you decide this is for you, you can contact one of the project leaders for a DNA project badge.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!  Emma--DNA Project Coordinator

Thank you!
+9 votes
I had my autosomal DNA test done about 4 years ago at Ancestry. Then I had my YDNA done last year at FTDNA. Now I am researching an article on using YDNA STR drift to help establish a chronology with a haplogroup. I have also done some cousin triangulation work at GEDmatch (Tier 1). I would love to participate in this project as I continue my journey.
by David Blair G2G6 (6.9k points)

David, we would love to have you on board!  Check out the Project Task page and see what you might like to take on.  You can contact one of the project leaders for a DNA Project badge.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks!  Emma--DNA Project Coordinator

+8 votes
I also would like to try this out. I personally have taken the AncestryDNA test and also the FTDNA yDNA test, but I am not concentrating on those tests. I got one of my male McCormack cousins to take a DNA test. That is the test that I am concentrating on and am really pursuing. We started out with the NatGeo 2.0 test and transferred it to FTDNA. We upgraded it to a Y67 and then added the R-L226 SNP test.
by Jeff Ford G2G Crew (440 points)

Jeff, we would love to have you as part of the DNA Project!  Click on over to our Project Task page to see what would interest you most.  You can message me or answer here and I will be happy to add you to the task list and have a project leader give you a DNA Project badge.

Emma :-)

+9 votes
We have a good start on a resources page with lots of links.  This is a work in process so be sure to check it out often.  

But if you are interested in DNA and not sure where to start, how to read it or use it, this page is a great place to begin.  

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:DNA_Project_Resources_Page

If you have other resources you think should be added, just let us know.  

Thanks for your interest in DNA
by Laura Bozzay G2G6 Pilot (824k points)
+8 votes
I'm in! I'd love to see more connections and info available, to tie in WikiTree and DNA tests.

Thanks for getting this started!
by Kelley Harrell G2G6 Mach 1 (17.8k points)

I see you already have the DNA Project badge, Kelley.  Very exciting to have you on board!  Have you checked out our  Project Task list?  If you see something that interests you, let me know and I can add you to the list.

Thanks!  Emma :-)

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