Is my grandfather really my biological grandfather? Vicky’s DNA test results made her ask this intriguing question. Here are strategies she learned to use her DNA to look for answers.

While looking at her DNA results, Vicky Grover noticed she had no apparent connections on her maternal grandfather’s line. It made her wonder: was her grandfather James really her biological grandfather?

She brought this question to a virtual group coaching event with Your DNA Guide Diahan Southard. During the event, Diahan helped Vicky explore that question using her own DNA test results, while everyone else in the group watched and learned along with them. Here’s a summary of what they did (shared with her permission).

Searching for a biological grandfather

Diahan and Vicky used the Ancestry ThruLines tool to look at best matches from each of Vicky’s great-grandparents, based on her family tree data. Vicky had already sorted and labeled the Best Known Matches for each great-grandparent, except the parents of her maternal grandfather. They then used the Leftover Strategy to find the matches pertaining to this last line, the line in question. Vicky had labeled these leftover matches with a pink dot and made notes.

Through this process, Diahan helped Vicky identify a Best Mystery Match (an unknown match who is related on this mystery branch of the family) and determined the most likely relationship between Vicky and that match. Then…they identified two men who could BE Vicky’s mystery birth grandfather. Yes. You read that right. They did that. DURING the group coaching event!

How to learn these DNA skills yourself

People learn best in different ways. Which one would work best for you right now?

Learn on your own. Vicky’s DNA question required use of a lot of principles from Your DNA Guide–the Book, including checking the genetic relationships of her matches against genealogical relationships; using Best Known Matches; using Ancestry’s dot system and the Notes field to label matches; using the Leftover Strategy to find matches pertaining to an unknown line; and using the Counting Cousins strategy to figure out what kinds of matches will most help answer a question. Get a copy of the book and start teaching yourself.

Take the DNA Skills Workshop. This six-week masterclass experience gives you the most confident, effective DNA learning! You get the perfect mix of instruction, hands-on experience, real-life case studies (lots of them), and personalized feedback on your progress. You get plenty of time to absorb, review and practice what you’re learning. You can discuss what you’re learning with both experts and peers. You keep access to all the Workshop materials so you can return and review anytime! Learn more about the DNA Skills Workshop and enroll.