CRYSTAL TORONYAI DAVIS

Achievements and Experience

🔍 About Me

I am a professional genealogist and certified genetic analyst with nearly three decades of experience uncovering ancestral stories through traditional research and modern DNA technology. As founder of Ancestral Spotlight, I specialize in complex lineage reconstruction, colonial and Indigenous American genealogy, surname DNA studies, and the exploration of historical figures—from Viking warriors and royal bloodlines to Roman emperors and Egyptian rulers. I produce educational content, author genealogical publications, and lead public-facing DNA projects that help others reconnect with their roots.

I hold a certification in DNA & Genetic Genealogy, am currently earning my PLCGS in American Records, and am pursuing dual degrees in Data Analytics and History. My work blends archival research with forensic-grade DNA methodologies to bridge the past and future through evidence-based family history.

💼 Professional Experience

Conduct professional research in traditional and genetic genealogy
Produce and publish books, surname studies, and how-to guides
Lead and manage two long-term public DNA studies:
- Baird & NaeSmyth DNA Project
- Native American DNA Study of the Virginias
Sell digital products, research tools, and branded merchandise
Develop and host educational content on YouTube and across social platforms

Clan Baird Society Worldwide
Genealogist | USA Board Member| Contributor
2021 – Present

Serve as the official genealogist for the global Clan Baird community
Write a recurring column for The Gryphon society quarterly
Perform document-based and DNA-assisted lineage casework for members
Coordinate with society leadership to promote genealogical education

YouTube – Ancestral Spotlight Channel
Producer | Research Host | Educator
2019 – Present

Create mini-documentaries and tutorials that spotlight ancestors, historical figures, and events through detailed research and storytelling
Educate on the use of DNA testing, segment analysis, and historical records
Showcase publication releases, DNA study updates, and research methods

Raven Oak Genealogy
Independent Researcher | Business Owner
2015 – 2020

Offered personalized research with a focus on Norse, Hungarian, and early American lines
Built the foundation for what became Ancestral Spotlight

Genetic Genealogy Case Research
Volunteer DNA Analyst
2009 – 2015

Solved dozens of adoption and NPE cases through autosomal DNA
Worked extensively with GEDmatch, AncestryDNA, and FamilyTreeDNA
Provided pro bono work to help families while gaining practical expertise

Heritage C.T.M.
Freelance Genealogy Researcher
2006 – 2009

Focused on traditional research for relatives and local community members
Began integrating genetic data with documentary evidence

Early Genealogy Work
1992 – 2006
My journey into genealogy began at the age of nine, inspired by the loss of my father and stories shared by my German-Hungarian grandmother. Guided by older family historians and mentors, I spent my youth learning research fundamentals and helping extended relatives discover their heritage.

🎓 Education & Credentials

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)
B.S. in Data Analytics & B.A. in History – In Progress

Emphasis on historical data science, digital humanities, and forensic genealogy

International Institute for Genealogical Studies

DNA & Genetic Genealogy – Certified
PLCGS in American Records – In Progress
Upcoming coursework: Scottish Records | Eastern European Records

📚 Publications

Published through Ancestral Spotlight Publishing
Available on Amazon

Genetic & Surname Studies

Baird Bloodlines: A Comprehensive Guide to Clan Baird Genetics & Diaspora (2025)
Baird: From Monmouth to Monkland (2022)
Zebulon: Deciphering the Many Zebulon Bairds: A Guide Through the Generations (2022)

Anne of the Patawomeck: Wife of William Redmond & Dr. Richard Bryant, Descendants of the, famed or fabled, Ka-Okee, A Case Study, Part 1 (2023)
Anne of the Patawomeck: Lineage Companion: A Case Study, Part 2 (2024)

Educational Guides

The Family Explorer: A Children's Guide to Tracing Your Ancestry and Celebrating Diversity (2023)

🧠 Skills & Technical Tools

Genealogy & DNA Tools

AncestryDNA | FamilyTreeDNA | GEDmatch | MyHeritage | RootsMagic | Family Tree Maker
Segment analysis | Chromosome mapping | Y-DNA surname studies

Data & Visualization

Excel | Airtable | Tableau | Gephi | RStudio

Publishing & Content Creation

Amazon KDP | Canva | CapCut | Audacity | YouTube Studio
Writing | Editing | Layout | Visual storytelling

Web & Business Tools

Wix | Google Workspace | Author Central | Social Media Scheduling Platforms

🙏 Special Thanks

I would like to honor the individuals who inspired, guided, and supported my path into genealogy and genetic research:

Dorothy Taylor (née Berghaier) – For opening my eyes to the vast world beyond my own and inspiring my fascination with global blood connections.
Mary Lou Torney (née Richman) – For planting the earliest seeds of curiosity through her pioneering family tree work, which taught me to ask deeper questions.
Frank Kozempel – For his decades of meticulous research that connected distant family branches across continents and generations.
Davey Lee Taylor – For quietly lighting the way to our Indigenous past, where long-silenced stories could finally be heard, honored, and woven back into the fabric of our family’s truth.
István Guti – For preserving and passing down our Hungarian heritage, bridging the generations and oceans that once separated our family.
Robert Torney – For sharing both his Y-DNA and autosomal DNA at a pivotal moment, unlocking the doors to my paternal ancestry—paths I believed lost forever.
Ellen Weymer-Carter (née Cannon) – For decades of dedicated research and the preservation of priceless family stories that might have otherwise been lost to time.