John Cleary is a linguist and lecturer living in Scotland, and author of So long as the world shall endure (1991), a history of life in two almshouses. He gives talks across the UK, Ireland and North America on using Y and autosomal DNA to uncover the origins and history of surnames, and is involved in a number of DNA surname projects, including one for the ancient Scottish surname, Cumming.
Graham has a background as a professional librarian, with a lifelong interest in family history. He has been a tutor on the University of Strathclyde’s postgraduate programme in Genealogical Studies since it commenced in 2007 and is the author of Discover your Scottish Ancestry (2nd ed. 2009). He leads the Battle of Bannockburn and Declaration of Arbroath Family History Projects, focusing on tracing early descents using documentary and genetic evidence.
Michelle Leonard is a professional genealogist, DNA detective, writer and historian. She is an expert in the genealogical use of autosomal DNA and runs her own business, Genes & Genealogy, specializing in solving all manner of unknown ancestor mysteries. She also undertakes traditional research, television research, tutoring, webinars and speaking engagements. Additionally, Michelle is the official genetic genealogist of ancestryhour.co.uk and is known for her work helping to identify First World War soldiers.
Alasdair is a Teaching Fellow in Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde. With research interests focusing on the use of DNA in genealogical research, he is currently researching the origin and linkage of male lineages in the British Isles. He also specialises in the history and genealogy of Scottish Clans. Alasdair is a volunteer administrator for a number of projects including the Scottish DNA Project and the Flemish in Scotland DNA Project.
Iain McDonald is an astrophysicist and Honorary Fellow in Genealogical, Palaeographic and Heraldic Studies at the University of Strathclyde. His expertise lies in the statistical analysis of Y-DNA tests to identify the relationships between individual test-takers, and the migrations of families over historical and prehistorical time periods. He helps run several independent and company-led projects for the Y-DNA haplogroup R-U106, and assists with Family Tree DNA’s Scottish YDNA project.