Uncovering
Identities.
Unlocking
the Truth.

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Investigative Genetic Genealogy · Genetic Genealogy · Genealogy Research · DNA Analysis · Cold Case Support · Search Angel Services · Family History · Investigative Genetic Genealogy · Genetic Genealogy · Genealogy Research · DNA Analysis · Cold Case Support · Search Angel Services · Family History ·

Services

Thorough, ethical, and evidence-based research — from tracing ancestry to resolving cold cases.

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IGG for Law Enforcement

Investigative genetic genealogy services for agencies working cold and active cases. Every engagement includes a feasibility assessment, regular updates, and a comprehensive final report — all following IGG Standards of Practice.

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Unidentified Human Remains & Doe Cases

DNA-based analysis to help identify unidentified individuals and bring closure to families. Working alongside law enforcement and medical examiners, every Doe case is treated with the rigour and dignity it deserves.

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Genetic Genealogy — Finding Family

Compassionate, confidential DNA-based services for adoptees, donor-conceived individuals, NPEs, and anyone seeking biological family. From initial assessment through final report — handled with expertise and care.

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Search Angel Services

Pro bono DNA-based support helping individuals locate biological relatives. A compassionate service for those who need answers but face barriers — because every connection matters.

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Genealogy Research

Traditional family history research — tracing ancestry, locating historical records, and preparing lineage society applications. Detailed findings reports with recommendations for continued research.

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IGG Education & Training

Helping others learn the methodology of investigative genetic genealogy — through consultations, workshops, and educational resources. Whether you're new to IGG or deepening your practice, Anna is here to guide you.

Experience

15+

Years of genealogy & investigative research

Specialisation

IGG

Investigative genetic genealogy for LE & families

Standards

SOP

Follows IGG Standards of Practice — every case

Cold Cases

LE+

Active, cold & Doe cases — law enforcement trusted

Who I
Work With

Every case is different. Every client deserves precision, compassion, and answers — no matter where the search leads.

Law Enforcement

Cold Cases,
Active Cases & Does

Agencies at any level — local, state, federal — working homicide, violent crime, or unidentified human remains cases. Thorough IGG methodology, full feasibility assessments, and reports built for prosecutors.

Cold Cases Active Investigations Doe Cases

Individuals

Finding Your
Biological Family

Adoptees, donor-conceived individuals, NPEs, and anyone who suspects a family secret. DNA-based genetic genealogy handled with compassion and strict confidentiality — from first test to final answer.

Adoptees NPE Donor Conceived Search Angel

Genealogists & Researchers

IGG Education
& Training

Genealogists wanting to learn or deepen their IGG practice. Consultations, workshops, and educational resources — grounded in Standards of Practice and real-world case methodology.

Workshops Consultation IGG Methods

How it Works

Every case begins with thorough discovery. We analyse the evidence or research goals, assess feasibility, and map out a clear strategy — because getting it right matters.

Step 01

Discovery & Assessment

We start with a thorough intake — understanding your goals, reviewing available DNA data or research targets, and assessing feasibility before committing to any work.

Step 02

Research & Analysis

Using advanced DNA analysis and genealogical methodology, we build out the family network, cross-reference historical records, and trace lineages with precision and care.

Step 03

Regular Updates

Throughout the engagement, you receive regular communications on progress — no waiting in the dark. Transparency is fundamental to how we work.

Step 04

Report & Recommendations

Every engagement concludes with a comprehensive report — findings, relevant records, identified connections, and clear recommendations for next steps.

About Anna

Founder Researcher DNA Analyst Search Angel Investigator Cold Case Volunteer
Anna Phillips — Founder, Uncovered Roots

Anna Phillips — Founder

Approach

I believe accurate answers transform lives. Whether working a cold case for law enforcement or helping an adoptee find their birth family, every project begins with a deep commitment to thorough, ethical, and evidence-based research. My goal is to deliver accurate answers and meaningful connections.

Background

Founded in 2010 as a traditional genealogy service, Uncovered Roots expanded in 2022 to integrate advanced DNA analysis and investigative genetic genealogy. Over 15 years of field research, including contributions to law enforcement cases that generated investigative leads resolving multiple cold cases.

Beyond Research

Anna volunteers with local organisations collaborating with law enforcement on cold cases and serves as a search angel — providing DNA-based support to individuals seeking biological connections. Every case carries weight. Every answer matters.

Standards & Ethics

All investigative genetic genealogy work follows the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Standards of Practice — ensuring ethical, legally compliant, and rigorous methodology is applied to every single case.

Every Branch Tells a Story

Your family tree is waiting to be discovered.

From tracing ancestry across centuries to solving modern cold cases with DNA evidence — Uncovered Roots brings rigour, compassion, and expertise to every branch of the search.

Start Your Research View Services

IGG
Education

Investigative genetic genealogy is a specialised discipline. Anna shares her knowledge to help the next generation of practitioners get it right.

One-on-One

Private Consultations

Work directly with Anna to learn IGG methodology, review your approach on a live case, or get guidance on ethical frameworks and Standards of Practice. Tailored to your experience level.

Group Learning

Workshops & Training

Structured workshops covering IGG from the ground up — DNA analysis, building family networks, ethical considerations, and case management. Suitable for genealogists and law enforcement analysts.

Self-Guided

Articles & Resources

Ongoing writing on IGG methodology, case studies, genetic genealogy concepts, and industry developments. Accessible to both newcomers and experienced researchers.

Standards & Ethics

All education follows IGG Standards of Practice

Ethical, legally compliant methodology — no shortcuts, no grey areas.

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Education
& Insights

All Posts  →

April 2, 2025

Opt-In to Law Enforcement Please!

Addressing misconceptions about DNA uploading and law enforcement access. Why opting in on GEDmatch — particularly from underrepresented populations — helps solve cold cases and bring justice to victims' families.

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April 2, 2025

I4GG Conference

Key takeaways from the Investigative Genetic Genealogy conference — including presentations by Dana Leeds and Barbara Rae Venter, IGG successes, resolved cold cases, and new research on genealogical algorithms.

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More coming

Articles on IGG, DNA, and cold-case research

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Get in Touch

Got questions?
Feel free to
reach out.

Whether you're law enforcement seeking investigative support, an adoptee searching for answers, or simply curious about your ancestry — Anna is here to help.

anna@uncoveredroots.com