Jamboree 2015 - Meet the Speaker: Kathryn Johnston, MD

Dr. Kathy Johnston, a retired dermatologist, has been engaged in genealogical research for over 25 years. She has been active in genetic genealogy since 2004, at which time she started collecting DNA samples from her aging parents in order to identify their Y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA lines. She has had a special interest in the X chromosome since 2008 because of its unique pattern of inheritance.

Kathy has been active in the DNA Interest Group of the Southern California Genealogical Society (SCGS) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG). As a volunteer, she helps genealogists understand their direct-to-consumer DNA test results. She is a volunteer administrator for several projects at Family Tree DNA. She was a volunteer at the very first "Family History and DNA: Genetic Genealogy in 2013" conference co-sponsored by SCGS and ISOGG.  In September 2013 she was invited to attend an historic ancestry inference roundtable discussion organized by the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG). In October, 2013 in Boston, she presented a scientific poster during the Ethical, Legal, Social, and Policy Issues in Genetics Session at the ASHG 63rd Annual Meeting. In 2014 she gave a presentation on the X chromosome for the SCGS Jamboree and again for the Institute for Genetic Genealogy (i4GG) in Washington D.C.

TH009 Thursday June 4, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
X-tra X-tra, Read All About it: The Latest News on the X Chromosome for Genealogists
The X chromosome hasn't gotten much press compared to the other chromosomes. It is the least understood, yet it can be the most important if you just happen to hit the jackpot. If you want to break through a brick wall or if you are an adoptee looking to find your birth parents, you will want to understand the X chromosome pattern of inheritance. Learn when an X match is significant and when it is not. We will explore which companies have the best success rates and how to compare results between companies to maximize matching. Experience with DNA testing is advised for attendees.

FR013 Friday June 5, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Adventures Around the World with X, Y, and Mitochondrial DNA
Can we re-write history through studying our own DNA? Find out how to challenge the textbooks, discover secrets in your family tree and have fun along the way. Hear real success stories in addition to discoveries that stretch the imagination as we attempt to connect the dots. This presentation will be geared toward beginners with just a little bit of hard science thrown in.

SA048 Saturday June 6, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
Panel: Ask the Experts about DNA and Genealogy
What is the current "state of the art" in relation to each of the major DNA tests: Y-DNA, mtDNA, autosomal DNA, and X chromosome? Which companies test which? What advances are being made in the field?