Claire Glynn had been working with forensic DNA for 15 years but when she spit in a tube in 2016 to get a better idea of her ancestry, even she couldn’t envision the impact genealogy was about to make around the world. More specifically, in her world—in forensics.
“Once we realized forensic genetic genealogy could be utilized in forensic investigations, I got quite excited,” Glynn told Forensic. “I said, ‘oh my gosh, my hobbies and my career combining.’”
But as genealogy in forensics took off, Glynn found herself getting frustrated by the misinformation out there, especially people thinking it was a one-size-fits-all technique.
“It’s a complex, multi-person process,” she said. “It’s not just take the DNA, shove it into GEDmatch and you’ve got your killer.”
That line of thinking is at least partially responsible for the launch of the new online graduate certificate in Forensic Genetic Genealogy at University of New Haven, where Glynn is an associate professor.
The program, which will begin in Spring 2021, comprises four individual courses that can be taken within 9 months. According to Glynn, it is the first university program of its kind in the world. The first three courses will focus on different aspects of genealogy before culminating with a hands-on practicum.
Fundamentals of Forensic Biological Evidence is up first, followed by Forensic Genetic Genealogy and Traditional Genealogy Methods. The final course, the practicum, will allow students to identify their own genetic genealogy investigation, such as a family member or friend’s questionable family history. Students without a personal investigation can partner with one of the program’s industry collaborators to undertake a real-world investigation.
“This program is so unique because it combines the front-end part of genetic genealogy with the second part, which is traditional genealogy,” Glynn said.
The graduate certificate is most appropriate for current crime lab professionals who want to implement investigative genetic genealogy techniques into their lab but are unsure how to begin the process. It is also suited for law enforcement officers, as well as attorneys and prosecutors. (In fact, Glynn secured a 30% tuition discount for current law enforcement officers and crime lab staff who wish to enroll in the course.)
Full steam ahead
Entrenched in the industry, Glynn has her sights set even higher than the certificate program. The professor wants to establish a Center for Forensic Genetic Genealogy at the University of New Haven.
While just a twinkle in her eye at the moment, Glynn envisions the center as a collaborative framework that brings together scientists, law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and bioethicists to help drive forensic genetic genealogy forward—in the right way.
“Forensic genetic genealogy will play an integral role in the criminal justice system going forward. What we need now, though, is robust policies, best practices and legislation around it to protect it,” Glynn said. “As more and more cases utilize forensic genetic genealogy and they go to court, the constitutionality of it will need to be defended. That needs to happen first before I see it becoming a standard practice in the near future.”
Photo: Claire Glynn (right) created a new forensic genetic genealogy graduate certificate course at the University of New Haven. Credit: UNH