"Enabling the Genealogy Citizen Scientist: Inclusion, Discovery and Meaning through Science and History", presented by Dr. Lee Martinez

When

11 a.m., Nov. 5, 2021

Bio:

Dr. Martinez has degrees in psychology, clinical mental health, and integrated behavioral health, but his real passion is in conducting DNA research to solve genealogical questions beyond 200 years, and in identifying human migration patterns.  Lee is considered an expert in leveraging Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) Y-DNA testing and is a popular speaker at genealogical society annual conferences due to his ability to make seemingly complex topics accessible.   

Dr. Martinez is the Director of Quality, Compliance, and Population Health for Devereux Advanced Behavioral Health and a member of its Arizona senior leadership team.  He is also a faculty associate with Arizona State University's College of Health Solutions, where he was designated "Distinguished Graduate" by the college dean his graduating year.  Dr. Martinez assists full time faculty in teaching the Quality and Performance Measurement in Health Care and the Financial Management in Healthcare doctoral courses for the college.  He also designs Masters level courses for them. 

Abstract:

Over the last 22 years, and especially the last eight, commercially available DNA tests have revolutionized traditional genealogy methodology, enabling the amateur genealogist to participate as citizen scientists in expanding the Family Tree of Mankind. This opportunity can disrupt professional standards in historical research and peoples' private lives. Intergenerational misinformation about family origins, or even well-accepted families formed by adoption can be shattered by DNA test results.  While DNA data can validate the professional researcher's work, it is just as likely to invalidate decades' worth of solid traditional research. Furthermore, the most marketed type of DNA test is not usually useful past the fifth generation, the very area that most amateur genealogists need help with. This presentation will introduce historians and genealogists to the importance of basic chemistry, molecular biology, genetics, population genetics, migration, and socio-economic patterns to complement historical research and DNA testing.