I’m Karin Lovisa Borgerson, a professional genealogist specializing in genetic genealogy. I combine information from DNA testing with research in historical documents and interviews with living people to help clients find their stories.

 

I got started in genealogy by researching my own family mysteries, and quickly realized that I wanted to learn from leaders in the field to sharpen my skills. In 2017 I completed the week-long course on Practical Genetic Genealogy at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh. I've attended national and regional conferences including the International Genetic Genealogy Conference (San Diego, CA, 2016) and the Northwest Genealogy Conference (Arlington, WA, 2016 and 2017). I’ve completed two of the four courses in the American Genealogical Studies series offered by the National Genealogical Society, and I'm currently enrolled in the third course in the series. I'm a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (national and Puget Sound Chapters) and several genealogical societies. I serve on the board of the Seattle Genealogical Society as Director of Education, and I'm also a member of the society's DNA Special Interest Group. I give presentations regularly in the Seattle area on topics related to genetic genealogy.

 

I have a Bachelor of Arts in biology and anthropology from Oberlin College and early in my career I worked in biomedical research at the University of Michigan. I honed my ability to seek out and communicate complex information through graduate study in science, health, and environmental journalism at New York University. I also hold a Master of Business Administration in socially and environmentally sustainable business from Bainbridge Graduate Institute (now Presidio Graduate School).  Before launching Borgerson Research, I worked for nearly two decades in higher education, health care, software, and environmental non-profits.

 

I live in Seattle, Washington. When I'm not solving family mysteries (my own or on behalf of others), I enjoy West Coast Swing dancing, geocaching, and long-distance train travel.