• DNA
• Family History Research
• Speaking / Presenting

Janel Cherry Daniels is a professional investigative genetic genealogist, speaker, educator, and retired law enforcement officer with more than 20 years of research and investigative experience. She is the owner of J Daniels Genealogy Services LLC, providing traditional genealogical and family history research as well as specialized investigative genetic genealogy services.

Janel’s work extends from helping individuals discover and document their family histories to conducting complex, deep-dive research involving DNA, historical records, unidentified individuals, and difficult-to-solve genealogical questions. She brings an investigator’s mindset to genealogy, combining traditional research methodologies with genetic genealogy to uncover connections and tell the stories behind the records.

She currently serves on the Advisory Board of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Board (IGGAB).

She's played a significant role in the genetic genealogy research portion of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre Graves Investigation. Janel serves as a City of Tulsa liaison and advocate for families and descendants connected to victims identified through the investigation’s genetic genealogy work.

As a DNA Doe Project volunteer, Janel was the lead investigative genetic genealogist featured in Episode 1 of National Geographic’s Naming the Dead (Nat Geo/Hulu/Disney+) and also appeared in Episode 4.

Janel is also an engaging speaker and workshop instructor, available to present on topics ranging from the fundamentals of genealogical and genetic genealogy research to advanced investigative methodologies and specialized case research. Her workshops are designed to meet researchers where they are—from “how-to” instruction for those building their skills to deeper, hands-on exploration of complex research strategies, DNA analysis, record interpretation, and solving challenging genealogical problems.

Whether speaking to a genealogy society, professional organization, historical group, or community audience, Janel combines practical instruction, investigative experience, and real-world casework to help others become more confident and effective researchers.