GSSCC Presents: Investigative Genetic Genealogy, guest speaker Barbara Rae-Venter

Please note new “hybrid” viewing option: VIA ZOOM at home OR streaming in the downtown library’s upstairs meeting room!

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88169675181

Barbara Rae-Venter identified the mother of Lisa Jensen, abducted in infancy and then abandoned by her abductor as a 5 year old. This was the first use of what is now known as Investigative Genetic Genealogy (IGG) in a criminal case. Identification of who Lisa’s mother was led to the discovery of the true identity of Lisa’s abductor and suspected murderer of the Allentown [New Hampshire] Four.

Using the same technique as she used to identify Lisa and Rasmussen, Barbara assisted the FBI, detective Paul Holes, and the Sacramento DA’s office in identifying Joseph James DeAngelo as the notorious Golden State Killer. IGG is now being used to solve hundreds of previously “unsolvable” cold cases.

Barbara Rae-Ventor, J.D., Ph.D., is the Director of Investigative Genetic Genealogy at Gene by Gene. She also is the President and Founder of Firebird Forensics Group, Inc., a nonprofit corporation that focuses on assisting law enforcement with identifying suspects in violent crimes and identifying unidentified human remains. For her work, Barbara was recognized by the journal Nature as one of “10 People Who Mattered in Science in 2018.” She was also recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2019.

Barbara is a retired intellectual property attorney who specialized in the patenting of biotechnology inventions. She earned a J.D. from the University of Texas at Austin Law School and a B.A. double major in Psychology and Biochemistry (Special Projects) and a Ph.D. in Biology (Biochemistry) at the University of California at San Diego.