Frequently Asked Questions
GSI: General Questions
What does GSI mean?
GSI stands for Genealogy Solves It (a play on the crime-solving TV series, CSI) and is the innovative creation of DNA guru, Diahan Southard and genealogical crime mystery author, Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Together, they create DNA-themed events (in-person, virtual and on-demand) where participants are tasked with solving murders using realistic but fun IGG methodology (Investigative Genetic Genealogy).
Are these events difficult?
No! No previous experience is necessary; Diahan and Nathan guide you through the process step-by-step, giving expert advice along the way. The events are always designed to be educational but also FUN!
Tell me more about Diahan and Nathan.
Diahan is a genetic genealogy expert, educator, founder and CEO of Your DNA Guide.
Diahan teaches internationally, writes for popular magazines, authored Your DNA Guide–The Book, and produces Your DNA Guide–the Academy, an online learning experience. More information can be found on her website.
Nathan is a writer, genealogist, educator and Creative Director at The Novel Guys. He has a BA degree in Radio, Film and Television Studies and an MA degree in Creative Writing at Canterbury Christ Church University. He is the author of many books, including the acclaimed Forensic Genealogist series and the Venator Cold Case series. More information can be found on his website.
Frequently Asked Questions - GSI: Sawtooth
What's it all about?!
The event is based on Nathan Dylan Goodwin's book, The Sawtooth Slayer. You will be guided through an on-demand presentation with Diahan Southard and Nathan Dylan Goodwin, completing a workbook as you go in your own time. The presentation includes snippets of DNA teaching and the methodology used in investigative genetic genealogy in order to solve a serial murder. You will be using online records (within this website) to help you and hopefully you will have lots of fun as you work to identify the serial killer!
When is the event?
It is on-demand, so you can work through it at your own pace in your own time. There are no live elements.
Is it the same as the in-person event that ran in Salt Lake City in March 2023 and the live virtual event in August 2023?
Although there have been some changes, the content is the same as both of these events. You might want to consider this on-demand option if you wanted to have another go or in case you missed any part of it.
Do I need to be an expert in genetic genealogy?
No! This has been designed for all levels of experience with genetic genealogy.
Do I need subscriptions to the major genealogy websites, such as Ancestry, MyHeritage and GenealogyBank?
No, everything you need is right here on this website! You will be guided through the process with videos from Nathan and Diahan, mixed in with simulations of real-world genealogy websites. You will only need access to this website and your workbook (digital or print).
How long will it take me to complete?
The in-person and live virtual events lasted around 3 hours, however, you might want to complete it over several hours or days. You work at your own pace to your own schedule.
What do I need to do first?
Log in to your profile (top right) and take a look at the case you will be trying to solve. You will find details of the team, the case and the victims. If you wish, you can add details to your profile page, but it isn't required in order to take part.
How will I get my workbook?
A PDF version of your workbook has been posted to your profile page under 'Case Notes Workbook'. You can choose a digital version, which you can type into as you go or a printed version, which you can print and write in as you go.
What if I change my mind and want a refund?
This product is non-refundable, as the materials are instantly made available in your personal profile area of the GSI Events website.
Frequently Asked Questions
GSI: Superstition Mountains
What's it all about?!
The fictional case that you will be working through is based on a brand-new Venator story created just for this event! You will be guided through an on-demand presentation with Diahan Southard and Nathan Dylan Goodwin, completing a workbook as you go in your own time. The presentation includes snippets of DNA teaching and the methodology used in investigative genetic genealogy in order to identify three unknown bodies and find their killer. You will be using online records (within this website) to help you and hopefully you will have lots of fun as you work through the cold case! More information of the specifics of the case can be found on the product page here.
When is the event?
It is on-demand, so you can work through it at your own pace in your own time. There are no live elements.
Is it the same as the in-person event that ran in Salt Lake City in March 2024?
Although there have been some changes, the content is the same as this event. You might want to consider this on-demand option if you wanted to have another go or in case you missed any part of it.
Do I need to be an expert in genetic genealogy?
No! This has been designed for all levels of experience with genetic genealogy.
Do I need subscriptions to the major genealogy websites, such as Ancestry, MyHeritage and GenealogyBank?
No, everything you need is right here on this website! You will be guided through the process with videos from Nathan and Diahan, mixed in with simulations of real-world genealogy websites. You will only need access to this website and your workbook (digital or print).
How long will it take me to complete?
The in-person and live virtual events lasted around 3 hours, however, you might want to complete it over several hours or days. You work at your own pace to your own schedule.
What do I need to do first?
Log in to your profile (top right) and take a look at the case you will be trying to solve. You will find details of the team, the case and the victims. If you wish, you can add details to your profile page, but it isn't required in order to take part.
How will I get my workbook?
A PDF version of your workbook has been posted to your profile page under 'Case Notes Workbook'. You can choose a digital version, which you can type into as you go or a printed version, which you can print and write in as you go.
What if I change my mind and want a refund?
This product is non-refundable, as the materials are instantly made available in your personal profile area of the GSI Events website.