Jenna Smith
ProGen Member Overview
I work as a professional genealogist with over thirty years of research experience.
I am a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and the APG Forensic Special Interest Group. I assist the Utah Genealogical Association’s South Davis County chapter and serve my community by helping new and experienced researchers develop more advanced skills through in-person help and online classes. I have lectured on various topics, including developing research plans and solving complex problems.
Education
I started as a math major with physics and computer science minors but left school shortly before graduation. Eventually, I returned and graduated from BYU in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in independent study, emphasizing family history and genealogy (and a math minor).
I have stayed engaged in learning by registering for as many institutes as time and money have allowed. Advanced Genealogical Methods with both Tom Jones and Paul Graham have helped me see records in a new light. Karen Stanbary's DNA Dreamers courses have taught me how to solve and prove complex DNA cases. The forensics institute courses have helped me in my current work endeavors.
I have learned so much from generous members of the genealogical community -- my ProGen study group leader Diana Elder through ProGen; ongoing cheerleading by Angela Packer McGhie, Jill Morelli, and Christy Fillerup; ongoing mentoring with Kelvin Meyers; and webinars and other interactions with Elizabeth Shown Mills -- all have shaped me into the genealogist that I am today.
The Certification Discussion Group by Jill Morelli has been the most helpful educational opportunity in helping me gain the courage to pursue a BCG certification.
Experience
I worked as a contract researcher for Legacy Tree Genealogists for four years, where I solved challenging southern brick wall problems and tracked European immigrants back to their homelands. I loved the variety of projects and localities I was exposed to working for a big firm.
Now, I work as a forensic genealogist for KLM Services, solving complex cases involving oil and gas, real estate, and probate matters. I love the challenge of solving complicated cases and then writing proof arguments of how I drew the conclusions.
Publications & BLOGs
I am yet unpublished but dream of someday publishing the solution to the unknown parentage of my longtime client's second great-grandfather using traditional and DNA research. It's a big dream but I am continuing to work on finding the solution.