Jamboree - Meet the Speakers: Diahan Southard

Diahan Southard graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in microbiology. As an undergraduate she worked in the archeogenetics laboratory of Dr. Scott Woodward. In 2000 that lab became the basis for the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF). In those early years of the foundation Diahan traveled extensively in the United States lecturing and collecting samples to help build the database.

Upon graduation she worked for Sorenson Genomics, a sister company to SMGF, as a genetic analyst. She then worked for SMGF up until July of 2012, spending much time lecturing in the field of genetic genealogy, developing products and services, as well as consulting with individuals and families regarding how their genetic results relate to their genealogical endeavors.

She has now transferred that knowledge to her partnership at the Genetic Genealogy Consultant where she is engaged in creating personalized reports for individuals who have had DNA testing completed, but aren’t sure about the Next Steps.

Diahan has three darling children, a supportive husband, and one old, if somewhat neurotic, miniature schnauzer.

TH007 Thursday June 5, 11:30 a.m.-12:30
Lab Tour: How Your Data is Generated and Analyzed
Wondering how mtDNA, YDNA, and autosomal DNA testing is conducted and analyzed? In this virtual lab tour we will evaluate real data, understand the hardware and the software used to generate that data, and how it effects the reports you receive.



TH009 Thursday June 5, 12:30-2:00 p.m. - Luncheon
Panel Discussion:  Peering into the Future of Genetic Genealogy 

Panelists: AncestryDNA, Joanna Mountain PhD, Bennett Greenspan, and Diahan Southard. Moderator: Blaine Bettinger, JD

TH018 Thursday June 5, 5:00-6:00 p.m.
YDNA, mtDNA, and Autosomal Case Studies
Do you feel like DNA testing for genealogy is long on explanation and short on results? Come explore case studies for mtDNA, YDNA, and autosomal DNA and learn how this powerful tool has assisted others in their genealogical journeys.