November 21st, 2026 Meeting
Staggs Community Room
Huntsville Public Library
10:30 AM HYBRID
Katie Thomas
Katie Thomas is a Co-founder, Team Member Coordinator, Business Manager, and an Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensic Investigations. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University - Texarkana and brings together a unique combination of investigative experience, leadership, and genealogical expertise. With more than 15 years of investigative work and supervisory experience and over 20 years of genealogical research experience, Katie has dedicated her career to helping uncover the truth and supporting those seeking answers. She is a graduate of the Forensic Genealogy Training for Law Enforcement program and holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Beyond Moxxy, Katie serves as an Area Director, Regional Manager, and member of the Potential Match Panel for the Doe Network. She is a Founding Member of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA) and a member of the National Genealogical Society (NGS) and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG). She is also the Second Vice President of the Montgomery County Genealogical and Historical Society and serves on the Board of Directors for the Katrina National Memorial Foundation based in New Orleans, Louisiana. Katie is passionate about using investigative genetic genealogy to bring answers to families and support justice through science and genealogy. In addition to her investigative work, she is a frequent speaker and educator, presenting to law enforcement agencies, conferences, genealogical organizations, libraries, and community groups on the application of DNA and genealogy in forensic investigations. She is committed to mentoring future investigative genetic genealogists and fostering a collaborative environment where volunteers can learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact
The Power of Genetic Genealogy in Forensic Investigations
What happens when the tools and skills we use to build our family trees can help identify an unknown person or provide answers to a family that has been waiting for decades? Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogical research to help identify unidentified human remains and, in some cases, unidentified perpetrators of violent crimes. In this presentation, Katie Thomas, Co-Founder and President of Moxxy Forensic Investigations, will explore how forensic genetic genealogy works, how it differs from traditional genetic genealogy and CODIS, and how genealogists can play a critical role in solving cases that have remained unresolved for years—or even decades. Using real Moxxy Forensic Investigations cases, Katie will take you behind the scenes of the investigative process, from DNA extraction and database matching to building family trees and ultimately identifying individuals. Along the way, she will highlight both the challenges and the profound impact of restoring a name and a story to someone who has remained unidentified