Matthew Waterfield
British genealogist/speaker, specialising in genetic genealogy and investigative genetic genealogy
United Kingdom
Currently accepting clients for...
- DNA
- Family History Research
- Speaking / Presenting
- Writing /Publishing
Family History Research
- DNA
- Family History Research
DNA
- Adoption / Unknown Parentage
- Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Speaking/Presenting
- DNA
- Family History Research
- Available for in-person events
- Available for virtual events
Writing/Publishing
- Author/Writer
Other Speciality
- Forensic Research
- Heir & Probate Search
Matthew Waterfield is a professional genealogist who specialises in the fields of genetic genealogy and investigative genetic genealogy.
He has extensive experience in utilising DNA to help people from across the world break down their genealogical brick walls, whether that be an unknown parentage case, a more distant unknown ancestor, or a different genealogical mystery altogether. Matthew is used to working with low DNA matches, and he has been able to solve a number of cases in which the closest relative in the DNA databases was more distant than a third cousin.
Matthew is also an investigative genetic genealogist, working and volunteering for the DNA Doe Project. He has worked on over 20 unidentified human remains cases, both as a team leader and as a researcher, and he is passionate about the usage of this groundbreaking technique.
He is currently taking on clients for genetic genealogy research, and he is open to enquiries regarding other matters too. He has also given a number of talks and interviews concerning both genetic genealogy and investigative genetic genealogy, and anyone seeking a speaker or interviewee for either of these topics is welcome to get in touch with him.
He has extensive experience in utilising DNA to help people from across the world break down their genealogical brick walls, whether that be an unknown parentage case, a more distant unknown ancestor, or a different genealogical mystery altogether. Matthew is used to working with low DNA matches, and he has been able to solve a number of cases in which the closest relative in the DNA databases was more distant than a third cousin.
Matthew is also an investigative genetic genealogist, working and volunteering for the DNA Doe Project. He has worked on over 20 unidentified human remains cases, both as a team leader and as a researcher, and he is passionate about the usage of this groundbreaking technique.
He is currently taking on clients for genetic genealogy research, and he is open to enquiries regarding other matters too. He has also given a number of talks and interviews concerning both genetic genealogy and investigative genetic genealogy, and anyone seeking a speaker or interviewee for either of these topics is welcome to get in touch with him.
Testimonials
"Matthew is the perfect balance of professionalism, thoroughness, and passion. He meticulously combed through records to identify key family information that, for decades, had been a complete mystery to me. Because of his care, concern, and extreme expertise, I have details to help me complete a delicate and complicated puzzle as well as ideas for how to approach what I know will be difficult conversations. He didn't just provide me with names, dates, and locations but also carefully crafted recommendations for what to do next. Matthew is a master at what he does, and I am forever grateful." - Bridgett, Arizona, USA
"Matthew was enormously helpful, with his logical process of elimination, in identifying the father of my elderly cousin who is in her 70s. At this time of life she did not expect to find out who her birth father was but, with DNA technology and Matthew to hand, the job was a whole lot easier than expected. Would highly recommend him." - Sharon, Kent, England
"Matthew's kind and meticulous nature is, without a doubt, what makes me put forth my personal recommendation to anyone in need of a professional genealogist." - Judy, Queensland, Australia
"Matthew is the perfect balance of professionalism, thoroughness, and passion. He meticulously combed through records to identify key family information that, for decades, had been a complete mystery to me. Because of his care, concern, and extreme expertise, I have details to help me complete a delicate and complicated puzzle as well as ideas for how to approach what I know will be difficult conversations. He didn't just provide me with names, dates, and locations but also carefully crafted recommendations for what to do next. Matthew is a master at what he does, and I am forever grateful." - Bridgett, Arizona, USA
"Matthew was enormously helpful, with his logical process of elimination, in identifying the father of my elderly cousin who is in her 70s. At this time of life she did not expect to find out who her birth father was but, with DNA technology and Matthew to hand, the job was a whole lot easier than expected. Would highly recommend him." - Sharon, Kent, England
"Matthew's kind and meticulous nature is, without a doubt, what makes me put forth my personal recommendation to anyone in need of a professional genealogist." - Judy, Queensland, Australia
Additional specialities or search keywords
Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Investigative Genetic Genealogy
Publications/Media
I have previously appeared on TV and participated in podcasts to discuss my work in the field of investigative genetic genealogy, while I've also been interviewed by media outlets in the UK, the US, Canada and Ireland. Some of these features are listed below:
I have previously appeared on TV and participated in podcasts to discuss my work in the field of investigative genetic genealogy, while I've also been interviewed by media outlets in the UK, the US, Canada and Ireland. Some of these features are listed below:
- BBC Sounds (https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0dnys34)
- CBC News (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/how-dna-from-popular-ancestry-websites-helped-toronto-police-find-this-woman-s-name-1.6362181)
- KETK (https://www.ketk.com/news/your-dna-could-help-identify-jane-and-john-does-nationwide-heres-how/)
Lectures
- "The Death of John Ellis and the Rebirth of George Chapman", virtual presentation at the NextGENeration Conference (2024) upcoming
- "IGG in the UK: Prospective Advantages, Potential Challenges and Proven Solutions", in-person presentation at the Ramapo Investigative Genetic Genealogy Conference, Mahwah, New Jersey, USA (2024)
- "Let's Talk About...Investigative Genetic Genealogy", virtual presentation for the Society of Australian Genealogists (2022)
Research Time Periods
- 21st Century
- 20th Century
- 19th Century
- 18th Century
Languages
English (native), French (basic), Latin (basic), Polish (basic)
English (native), French (basic), Latin (basic), Polish (basic)
Affiliations
- Association of Professional Genealogists (member)
- DNA Doe Project (team leader and investigative genetic genealogist)
Degrees
BA Religion, Politics and Society (International) - University of Leeds
BA Religion, Politics and Society (International) - University of Leeds