Episode notes
What does a forensic genetic genealogist do? Christine Burke uses DNA and family trees to name unidentified remains, solve cold cases, and give families answers.
A former undercover officer, police detective, and the first female sergeant in her department, Christine discovered through a 2017 DNA test that she wasn't who she thought she was. It took her years to find her own answers. Now she helps police and courts find theirs.
This episode covers:
• What forensic genetic genealogy is, and how DNA works like a neighborhood canvas
• Going undercover in a high school (and getting invited to prom)
• Women in law enforcement: refusing an order to push women out of her department
• Why she believes genetic genealogy belongs inside police departments, not for-profit labs
• The 15,000+ unidentified remains cases still open in the U.S.
• How to become a forensic genetic genealogist: skills, education, and career paths