by Laurie Kantor Finn
Collaboration & Teamwork in Investigative Genetic Genealogy
I was incredibly excited and honored to be selected for the intensive Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) bootcamp at Ramapo College of New Jersey this June, leading up to the annual RIGG conference. This wasn’t just any bootcamp; it was an amazing opportunity to expand and practice my skills in a truly immersive environment.
The IGG bootcamp at Ramapo College provides an unparalleled opportunity for Certificate Program graduates to fully engage in casework. This unique program fosters strong bonds among IGG teammates and facilitates interactive learning through real-time problem-solving. Held in the secure Investigative Genetic Genealogy Lab, the bootcamp offers a safe space for super-focused work unlike any other IGG environment, led by our fearless leader and assistant director, Cairenn Binder. Although some of the attendees had worked on cases with respective classmates in their cohorts in the past, others were meeting for the very first time. We were all going to emerge not only with significant skill growth, but also with a new robust network.
While I have completed the Certificate Program and continue to volunteer at Ramapo’s IGG center, I was still unsure what to expect. Working on IGG cases as a volunteer usually involves remote collaboration, but the prospect of working together in a shared physical space with like-minded peers was exhilarating. Being able to brainstorm in real-time, instantly share discoveries, and collectively troubleshoot challenges amplified our efficiency and problem-solving abilities in ways remote work simply can’t. The immediate feedback and shared energy of the group made the complex work feel more manageable and even more rewarding. There is nothing better than a real life double high-five — when identifying a tricky top DNA match to build out!
Living in the dorms and sharing all meals together throughout the week added another layer to this special experience. Beyond the all-day work sessions, we engaged in late-night games, snacks, wine (off campus), air-conditioning discussions, and camaraderie, creating a supportive and inspiring community. This constant interaction, whether during serious case discussions or informal social gatherings, fostered deep connections and a truly collaborative spirit. A common sentiment echoed by all was “These are my people,” often followed by the realization, “My friends and family don’t let me talk this much about IGG.” The most popular expression, however, was “I have found my tribe!”
The work accomplished at the bootcamp was impressive, IGG Center Director and Professor David Gurney calculated we had devoted over 700 hours between the 16 bootcamp team members and additional (amazing) 4 staffers: Tracie Boyle, Monique Platt, Marianne Hess, and Traci Onders. It’s astounding how much can be achieved in such a focused environment. While the cases we worked on weren’t definitively “solved” during the bootcamp, the foundation for progress was firmly established. The best part is that members of our group will have the opportunity to continue working on these cases, carrying forward the momentum we built. The facts of the cases are not to be discussed, but both are interesting and naturally come with challenges. Previous Ramapo IGG bootcamps have already generated investigative leads in cases of wrongful conviction and unidentified human remains, and I’m confident our efforts will lead to similar breakthroughs.
The field of IGG has been established for some time, and it is now gaining wider acceptance as law enforcement agencies and prosecutors increasingly utilize it in both cold and active cases. I look forward to working with my fellow bootcamp participants in the months and years to come.
Stay tuned for updates on these cases, as we get back to work next week!