Cairenn Binder, MS, AIGG is the Director of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. Cairenn has been at the forefront of IGG since its inception, applying genetic genealogy to identify human remains with the nonprofit organization DNA Doe Project from 2018 through 2023. In 2022, she co-founded Coast to Coast Genetic Genealogy Services to fulfill the need for additional IGG practitioners to generate leads in violent crimes. She began working at Ramapo in October of 2022, helping to launch the IGG center in December 2022. Her casework has been featured on BBC news, ABC, NBC, Fox, Oxygen, and CourtTV, in addition to podcasts and digital media. Cairenn is an Accredited Investigative Genetic Genealogist (IGG) and a member of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA) as well as an advisory board member of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Accreditation Board (IGGAB).

Tracie Boyle, AIGG, is the Director of Case Management at the IGG Center, where she oversees case progression from initial agency referral through to DNA lab coordination and lead generation. An early practitioner in the field, Tracie began her journey in 2018 as a volunteer with the DNA Doe Project, where she had developed foundational expertise in unidentified human remains cases. Today, she utilizes advanced investigative genetic genealogy skills to identify John and Jane Does, generate leads in violent crime cases, and help exonerate the wrongfully convicted.

Drawn to investigative work from a young age, Tracie has always been captivated by puzzles and problem-solving. With a natural instinct for untangling complex cases, she is driven by a simple mission: to bring long-awaited answers to families.

Tracie is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists, the National Genealogical Society, the International Association of Crime Analysts, and the New Jersey Division of the IAI. Her work in the citizen-detective space is also featured in Nicola Stow’s book, The Real-Life Murder Clubs: Citizens Solving True Crimes.

Julian Rebelo is the Ramapo College’s IGG Center’s Staff Investigative Genetic Genealogist. Julian holds a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from Monmouth University, as well as a certificate in Genealogical Studies from Boston University. Julian has been a practicing traditional genealogist since he was a teenager, and completed the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program in the Spring 2024. In addition to serving as a volunteer case facilitator at Ramapo College IGG Center since 2024, Julian has volunteered as a founding member of Wolf Pack DNA as well as for DNA Hawkshaw Genetic Genealogy, committed to helping resolve family mysteries and tackle challenging unidentified human remains cases. He also is a small business owner of JRebeloGenealogy and a podcast host of The Chosen Families Project, committed to returning lost photographs to loved ones. With both a scientific and creative background, he has a strong passion for advancing the field through innovative solutions.

Diane Bates, Ph.D., is a Program Support Assistant at the RCNJ Investigative Genetic Genealogy Center. She earned her Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and an M.A. in School Psychology from California State University, Northridge. She completed the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate at Ramapo College in Fall 2023. Her experience includes investigative genetic genealogy, child development, research design, program evaluation, data analysis, and supporting instruction at the university level.

Diane is a co-founder and Investigative Genetic Genealogist with Waypoint Investigative Genetic Genealogy, where she leads investigative genetic genealogy research and casework. She currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Directors for the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia, where she has presented to members on DNA and genetic genealogy.

Drawing on her background in psychology, Diane brings an analytically rigorous and ethically grounded approach to investigative genetic genealogy. Her work emphasizes careful evaluation of evidence and respect for the individuals and families connected to each case.

Marianne Hess is a Senior IGG Program Assistant at the RCNJ IGG Center. Marianne holds a Master of Arts in History from Arizona State University, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Forensic and Investigative Genetic Genealogy from the University of New Haven. Marianne completed the Ramapo College Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate Program in Fall of 2023 as well as the Ramapo College IGG Summer Bootcamp in 2024. She has volunteered as a genetic genealogy Search Angel at Search Squad, as well as a volunteer investigative genetic genealogist at Ramapo College IGG Center. As a former digital learning executive, Marianne has a strong background in teaching adult learners and implementing new technology to advance research.

Christine Fiechter, MSW, AIGG, is a Senior IGG Program Assistant at the RCNJ IGG Center, where she supports student learning through case-based education in investigative genetic genealogy. She brings experience in IGG education, case mentorship, nonprofit leadership, and professional community development.

Christine serves as Chair of the Executive Committee of the Investigative Genetic Genealogy Association (IGGA), where she is helping build a collaborative professional community for investigative genetic genealogists and allied professionals. Her leadership work centers on education, connection, shared learning, and responsible practice. She is also a Team Leader with the DNA Doe Project and the owner of PinPoint DNA, LLC.

Her formal training includes the Ramapo IGG Center Certificate Program and Bootcamps, the University of New Haven Forensic Genetic Genealogy Graduate Certificate, United Data Connect’s Fundamentals of Investigative Genetic Genealogy, and Boston University’s Certificate in Genealogical Research. Christine holds a Master of Social Work and previously served as a forensic social worker with the Massachusetts public defender agency, where she helped establish its nationally recognized multidisciplinary Youth Advocacy Division and EdLaw Project.

Tiffany Sowell is a Program Assistant at Ramapo College IGG Center. Tiffany holds a Bachelor of Science in Victim Studies with a minor in Sociology from Sam Houston State University and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Victim Services Management. She completed both Ramapo’s Investigative Genetic Genealogy Certificate program and Ramapo’s IGG bootcamp, as well as the Forensic Genetic Genealogy Certificate from The University of New Haven.

Tiffany’s work is guided by a strong victim-centered approach, informed by her experience in victim advocacy and supporting families in crisis situations. In addition to her work at Ramapo, Tiffany is a volunteer Investigative Genetic Genealogist for Moxxy Forensics and serves as head chair of their Victim Advocacy Committee. Tiffany has prior experience volunteering as a search angel, helping adoptees and individuals with unknown parentage reconnect with their biological roots.

Tiffany applies her dual expertise in victim services and investigative genetic genealogy to complex cases, bringing professionalism, ethical rigor, and a commitment to helping families uncover the truth.