Introduction:
This DNA page will be divided into several sub-pages. This first sub-page will be this short introductory page. The next sub-page will be the very basics of DNA (science stuff) and a glossary of common terms. The next sub-page will be a listing of the companies with which I tested. Obviously I cannot (and should not) comment on companies I have not used. Perhaps subscriber contributions can expand this list. Another sub-page will list what DNA tests we have taken and with which company we have tested. As this last list grows we might be able to determine the genetic signature of our Ragusin ancestors.
Although there are good reasons for this DNA page, I do not intend to turn ragusinfamily.com into a DNA website, but DNA will be essential in our work. DNA and DNA testing (genetic genealogy) are far too complicated to include a full discussion on a family website. I do intend to provide enough information (science) so that those who have not tested can make an informed decision whether to test or not. If you wish to test, I intend to provide information about several of the testing companies (the ones I use regularly). Not all companies are created equal in what they provide or how useful the results are. If tested, I intend to provide assistance to you in interpreting your results, if you ask.
What are my credentials? I am a physicist and understand the use of statistics in evaluating the results of a scientific experiment. Consequently, the proper interpretation of a DNA test, which is an extremely complicated scientific experiment, requires an in-depth knowledge of statistics. In addition, between 2006 and 2019 I was the head of the DNA study group at the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Library in Washington. This group monitored the advances in the genetic genealogy until we could put together procedures for accepting DNA evidence on membership applications at this pre-eminent lineage society. Afterwards, we continued to monitor genetic genealogy for significant changes with the goal of improving the DAR’s procedures. I have also given numerous formal and informal presentations on DNA and DNA use in genealogy–one audience numbering about 2000 individuals. Recently I have taken an online Evolution and Genetics course from Duke University through Coursera.
DNA and law enforcement also must be discussed. In the recent past, law enforcement agencies have used existing DNA samples (evidence from a crime scene) of unknown criminals and submitted it to a genealogical DNA testing company (reportedly with the proper legal paperwork) in an attempt to find the identity of the criminal. To the best of my knowledge this is only being attempted for the most heinous criminals–child molesters, serial murderers and serial rapists. Personally I want these criminals off the streets. In response to the law enforcement intrusion into genetic genealogy and the subsequent uproar, the testing companies had to modify their privacy settings to allow people to make their results not visible to law enforcement or to anybody else. I conclude by saying if your results are not visible, then they are of no use to you or any other researchers AND perhaps these criminals will remain free.
ragusinfamily.com 