The DNA Doe Project is a non-profit initiative that uses investigative genetic genealogy to identify John and Jane Doe unidentified remains. In five short years, we have become a go-to organization for law enforcement agencies and medical examiners across North America, helping them solve their most intractable cases. Our cutting-edge techniques have led us to amazing success, even with cases where the DNA was highly degraded or of low quantity.
It is our commitment that no Jane or John Doe remain unnamed due to the inability of a community to afford the laboratory work, bioinformatics, or skilled genealogy necessary to identify them. Through our Doe-Nate program, qualifying agencies can take advantage of our services when their budgets are too stretched to afford this specialized investigative technique.
The DNA Doe Project’s all-volunteer research teams are made up of some of the best investigative genetic genealogists in the industry, giving of their time and talent to achieve the common goal of reuniting John and Jane Does with their families and communities.
If you are looking for a Missing Person, please visit For Families to learn how to increase the chances your loved one could be identified.
If you represent a law enforcement agency or medical examiner and want to work with us on a case, please visit the For Agencies page.
Latest News
DNA Doe Project is pleased to announce the launch of its inaugural apprentice program which began July 1, 2022.
Eight apprentices have been selected from a pool of more than 170 applicants. Participants in the apprentice program begin with a baseline of proficiency in genetic genealogy; the purpose of the program is to provide education regarding the application of genetic genealogy to forensic cases in partnership with law enforcement.
The apprentices will work on a real unidentified remains case alongside DNA Doe Project volunteers, and will also participate in a virtual learning environment to enrich their experience through lectures and guest speakers.
The apprentices selected include: Emily Bill, Lance Daly, Nadine Ashcroft, Lisa Ivany, Cynthia Gabbard, Marc McDermott,
Danielle Jacques, and one other who wishes to remain anonymous.
To read more about the apprenticeship program and the criteria used to select apprentices, please click here.
The DNA Doe Project is honored to work with Intermountain Forensics and the Utah Cold Case Coalition on the initiative to identify victims of the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921. The success of this project depends on the participation of the community and relatives of the victims. Please visit www.intermountainforensics.com/tulsadnaproject to learn how to help.
DNA Doe Project is honored to partner with Wyndham Forensic Group to help identify Canadian service personnel to bring them back to their families and communities.
DNA Doe Project is delighted to be chosen to work with Astrea Forensics, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and Arc Bio on a new way to process degraded DNA samples that could help solve even more cases.
Major funding is provided by a generous donation from audiochuck
