Famed ‘Indiana Jones of DNA’ Dr Scott Woodward has single handedly paved the way for the advancements seen in genetically focused studies. He provided key leadership for scientific, paradigm-busting projects, including the Human Genome Project. As recently as 1995 — at the Egyptian museum in San Jose, California, for example — he was still being called upon to examine a mummy. This thrilling turn of events was only one of the many impressive episodes in his storied career. His research has arrested scientific progress totally backwards. It has raised crucial ethical concerns regarding the use of DNA data in modern society.
It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Dr. Woodward got his life-changing phone call from inquiring philanthropist James LeVoy Sorenson. Sorenson wanted to fund the creation of a DNA database that would allow for genealogical sleuthing. This effort resulted in the founding of Sorenson Genomics. Its overarching mission, the pursuit of world peace, is channeled through the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), its non-profit arm focused on this aim. The Sorenson database would eventually collect 100,000 DNA samples from volunteers across the world. Most of these participants submitted extensive pedigree charts that followed their family tree at least four generations deep.
Dr. Woodward’s pioneering influence was felt when he moved 120,000 DNA samples out of the Sorenson database and into Ancestry’s. There, he became the first director of genomic discovery. During his tenure, Ancestry’s DNA database expanded to include the genetic data of 25 million people. Today, over 30 million people across the world have already tested their family history using DNA. This dramatic increase reflects a burgeoning interest in personal ancestry and genome science.
Dr. Woodward was insistent about the details of their contract. For their part, Ancestry’s CEO noted in his quote that Ancestry “can’t commercialize user data.” Instead, it was meant only for “internal scientific discovery.”
“We realized that, yeah, we could probably make a lot of money with this. And we made a conscious decision that we’re not going to go down that road. Our goal here is to build a database that can be used for genealogical purposes.” – Scott Woodward
Nearly all of the volunteers who helped build the database were members of Mormon congregations. That piece of wisdom came from Jayne Ekins, one of ‘Woodward’s Angels. This demographic in particular gravitated towards genealogy because of their religious practices, such as baptism for the dead.
That ethical considerations about DNA databases have triggered so much discussion is telling in itself. Michael Usry’s case is a powerful reminder. His arrest for murder came after DNA matched with a sample obtained through genealogical research. Alarmed by this development, he spoke out against the possible harmful use of this technology.
“Here I am, you know, accused [of murder]. My life has been altered because of this. And I hate to think that that’s because of the Mormon Church and what they allowed people to do.” – Michael Usry
Usry’s case is an example of how DNA data collection can be misused and how it can be employed in troubling ways during criminal investigations. He reflected on people’s perceptions of how they would react when pulled into an interrogation room, noting that reality often diverges from expectations.
“Everybody thinks they know what they’re going to do if they get pulled into an interrogation room,” – Michael Usry
Things got really complicated when investigators pinned Usry down and coerced a confession for a crime he never committed.
“Tell us what happened, and put yourself in a position because it’s coming. The train’s coming down the track.” – Detective
Usry has thought a lot about the ethical limits of DNA. It is this experience that gives rise to an increasing fear about regulatory overreach in this new frontier.
“I feel like for it to slip into an overuse of power, it happens so slowly and so gradually that it’s hard for people to imagine how it could be used until it actually is being used.” – Michael Usry
Dr. Woodward originally began her research by studying ancient mummies. Today, he runs one of the world’s largest genetic databases, an evolution in the nature of genetic inquiry and its ethical considerations.
