MEET OUR

Genetic Genealogy TEAM

We are truly your partners in crime and we won't rest until we get the job done.

Christine Burke, Director, Forensic Genetic Genealogist, FGG

Director Christine Burke is the lead Forensic Genetic Genealogist and trainer for the Genetic Genealogy For Law Enforcement® program.

She has worked on over 75 genetic genealogy identification cases and gives back through her Enduring Service program, providing free training to agencies who have lost an officer in the line of duty.

Christine started her law enforcement career in South Florida at the Stuart Police Department and Jupiter Police department, as a patrol officer, major case detective, and sergeant.

In 2005 she moved to Arizona and worked for the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, serving as an instructor, member of the DUI task force, high-risk warrants, dignitary protection, and prisoner transport teams.

Christine opened her private investigation agency in Arizona in 2008 and has conducted numerous investigations, as well as being an Arizona Supreme Court approved instructor for private process server education, and performing investigations for the Arizona Commission On Judicial Conduct.

In 2019 she became a court-qualified law enforcement expert and has also held a seat on the Arizona Department of Public Safety's Private Investigator Licensing Board.

In 2020, Christine relocated to Northern Nevada where she supports local law enforcement as a Forensic Genetic Genealogist and provides genetic genealogy services to other agencies nationally.

She has taught at the university and community college level in Criminal Justice and Adult Education programs. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master's Degree in Organizational Management.

She is a member of ILEETA, an IADLEST Certified and POST Certified instructor.

In her very little spare time, she writes mystery books to raise funds to purchase lab work for underfunded police agencies.

Kathryn W (Kara) Roll, Genetic Genealogist

Kathryn W (Kara) Roll is a forensic genetic genealogist and dedicated high school science educator.

 After earning her BS in Biology with summa cum laude/Phi Beta Kappa honors from Indiana University Bloomington, Kara pursued further education at Northwestern University, where she obtained a Master of Science in genetic counseling.

Her thesis, focusing on raising awareness about sickle cell disease among high-risk populations, received recognition as the Best Student Abstract by the National Society of Genetic Counselors.

Initially employed in cancer genetic counseling at the University of Chicago, Kara subsequently transitioned to the field of education, obtaining her teaching certificate. Over the past 24 years at Lake Park High School in Roselle, Illinois, she has passionately taught a spectrum of sciences, including biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, and forensic science, catering to diverse learning styles and levels.

Forensic genetic genealogy seamlessly integrates Kara's two passions: genetics and forensic science. Motivated by her enduring fascination with heredity and newfound commitment to rectifying wrongful convictions and aiding criminal apprehension, she pursued certification in this field as a natural progression.

 

Suzanne Anderson, Genetic Genealogist

K. Suzanne Anderson is a forensic genetic genealogist and grant liaison.

She holds a B.A. in English language and literature and a B.S. in psychology from the University of Virginia, as well as her M.S. in criminal justice from Northeastern University, graduating with distinction from both institutions.

After working as a research assistant at the Center for Criminal Justice Policy Research in Boston (evaluating the Boston Police Department’s Operation NiteLite program) and for the renowned criminologist Dr. John H. Laub, Suzanne became the program manager for the Chelsea (Massachusetts) Police Department, where she played a crucial role in securing and implementing grant funding through state and federal programs.

She then pivoted to a 20+-year career in book publishing, most recently as a freelance copyeditor and proofreader, while raising her family.

Suzanne pursued her certificate in forensic genetic genealogy, with the intent to combine her well-honed eagle eye and research skills with her lifelong interest in criminal investigations and her desire to help others.

Michael Fanning, Chief Of Police, Genetic Genealogist

Chief Fanning is not only one of our talented genetic genealogists but is Chief of Police for the Town of Pawleys Island,  South Carolina.

He has led that agency since 2007 after a career as a detective supervisor with the NYPD Hostage Negotiation Team and the Hate Crime Task Force. He held various investigative and supervisory positions in the NYC Police Department and the NYC Transit Police.


In addition to his continuous work serving to provide safety to citizens he is the president of the NYCPD 10-13 Club of Myrtle Beach, which is a fraternal organization for retired law enforcement professionals in the Myrtle Beach area. The organization's purpose is to both unify and affect the political climate and legislative agenda as it pertains to the welfare of New York City Police Department retirees of all ranks.

He is currently a board member & secretary of the Coastal Carolina Shields Pipes and Drums (501C3) after serving 7 years as president/band manager. They perform at various community events, particularly those which honor the service of our first responders.

BJA Funding Resources