About Me

Hi, I’m Heidi. I spent more than 25 years working in technology, building and applying advanced systems across defense, government, and commercial sectors, including roles with the U.S. Navy and Amazon Web Services. My work focused on turning complex technologies such as AI, computer vision, and immersive systems into practical, real-world solutions through careful analysis and problem-solving.

Today, I apply that same approach to genealogy, with a focus on DNA analysis and complex family identification problems. I am especially drawn to cases involving unknown parentage, missing relatives, or difficult DNA match networks. These are not simple problems and require structured, step-by-step analysis to reach accurate, evidence-based answers.

My work in genealogy began early. As a child, I joined my mother on research trips to courthouses, libraries, and archives across the Midwest. That experience built a strong foundation in traditional research long before digital tools existed. Over time, this work grew into The Solomon Gang: Outlaws by Any Name, a book that reconstructs my great-grandfather’s criminal history using original records and newspapers.

Before offering services professionally, I spent years as a search angel, helping people identify biological parents and close relatives using DNA. I did this work because I enjoy it. Each case is different, and progress often comes from spotting patterns, fixing incorrect assumptions, and building conclusions supported by both DNA and records.

As demand grew, I transitioned to offering this as a professional service. DNA cases take time and focused effort. A structured service allows me to set clear boundaries, dedicate time to each case, and deliver clear, well-supported results.

Today, I combine traditional records, DNA evidence, and modern tools to help people verify relationships, sort through conflicting information, and solve long-standing research problems.

While I am newer to offering genealogy services professionally, I am not new to the work itself. I have helped many individuals analyze DNA results, identify biological family members, and move past research roadblocks that had stalled their progress.

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Heidi
Genealogist and Tech Evangelist
Here is my technical career LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidibuck/

Seal of the National Genealogical Society with a green tree and the words "National Genealogical Society" and "Founded 1903" and "Member".
A black and white sketch of a woman with glasses working in a laboratory, holding a rolled-up measuring stick, with scientific equipment in the background. Caption: "Genealogist and engineer at work."