The Genealogy Studies Program at Boston University is led by expert instructors with extensive genealogical research experience. From certified genealogists to DNA specialists, they bring decades of professional expertise in areas like historical research, lineage documentation, and forensic genealogy.
Spanning traditional methods and modern tools, our instructors ensure that students receive comprehensive, hands-on instruction from leaders shaping the future of genealogical science.
Gary Ball-Kilbourne, CG®, CGL
Instructor
Gary Ball-Kilbourne, CG®, CGL
Certified Genealogist®
Trustee, Board for Certification of Genealogists®
Editor, OnBoard (publication of BCG)
Director, Minnesota Genealogical Society
Wordsmith, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy Committee
Instructor, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Published in National Genealogical Society Quarterly, Maryland Genealogical Society Journal, and Minnesota Genealogist
BA, McDaniel College
MA and PhD, Vanderbilt University
Genealogical Research Certificate, Boston University
Emily Hackett-Fiske
Instructor
Emily Hackett-Fiske
Working professional genealogist
DNA and unknown parentage research specialist
ProGen Study graduate
Advanced Forensic Genealogy Certificate, Boston University
Genealogical Research Certificate, Boston University
Genetic Genealogy and Practicum in Genealogical Research, Excelsior College
Advanced Certificate, FGI Foundation
BS in Chemistry, ACS Certified
MS in Civil Engineering
Melissa A. Johnson
Program Director, Instructor
Melissa A. Johnson
Past President, New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists
Trustee and Past President, Genealogical Society of New Jersey
Instructor, Institute for Genealogy and Historical Research, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Former Reviews Editor, Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly
Former Editor, NGS Monthly
Author, “Unknown and Misattributed Parentage Research” chapter of Advanced Genetic Genealogy: Techniques and Case Studies by Debbie Parker Wayne
Mentor, ProGen Study Group
Advanced Forensic Genealogy Certificate, Boston University
Genealogical Research Certificate, Boston University
Forensic Genealogy Certificate and Advanced Forensic Genealogy Certificate, Forensic Genealogy Institute
BS in Business Administration, Susquehanna University
Michael Leclerc, CG®
Instructor
Michael Leclerc, CG®
Certified Genealogist® from the Board for Certification of Genealogists®
Former board member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Instructor, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Editor, Genealogical Writing in the 21st Century: A Guide to Register Style and More, 2nd ed.; Genealogist’s Handbook for New England Research, 5th ed.
Author, “Crafting Family Histories” chapter of Professional Genealogy: Preparation, Practice, and Standards; Benjamin Franklin’s Family, Volume I: English Ancestors
Onboard editorial staff, Board for Certification of Genealogists®
Host, GenProf Podcast
Founder, Genealogy Professor
Corey Oiesen
Instructor
Corey Oiesen
Working professional genealogist in U.S., French, and Italian research
Board Member, Association of Professional Genealogists
Genealogical Research Certificate, Boston University
ProGen Study Group program
Advanced Practicum in Genealogy course, Excelsior College
BA, Georgia State University; BA, Virginia Tech
Kimberly Powell, AG
Instructor
Kimberly Powell, AG
Professional genealogist
Past president, Association of Professional Genealogists; served on the APG Board and Professional Development Committee
Instructor, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research, Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy
Genealogy expert for About.com
Author, The Everything Guide to Online Genealogy, 3rd ed.
Articles published in BBC’s Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, Family Tree Magazine, and the Association of Professional Genealogists Quarterly
Recipient of IGHR’s Walter Lee Sheppard Jr. Prize, Utah Genealogical Association’s Silver Tray Award for Genealogical Publishing, and the Grahame T. Smallwood Jr. Award of Merit from the Association of Professional Genealogists
Allison Ryall, AIGG
Instructor
Allison Ryall, AIGG
Forensic Genetic Genealogist
Modern records research expert
Technology specialist, online research
Grader, National Genealogical Society’s Home Study Course
Program Director, NERGC 2011
Co-chair, FGS Ancestors Road Show
BA in History and Russian Studies, University of Southern Maine
Master’s degree in American and New England Studies, University of Southern Maine
Master’s-level Certificate in Crime Analysis, University of Central Florida
Request Information
To download a program brochure and learn more about the Online Genealogy Studies Program offered by Boston University, please fill out the form. You can also contact an enrollment specialist directly by calling (857) 971-4728.
