Shannon Combs-Bennett (QG, MSc, PLCGS) is an award-winning author and genealogical researcher based in Northern Virginia. She lectures and writes on various topics, from genealogical methodology to genetic genealogy. Shannon holds a BS in Biology with an emphasis in genetics and an MSc in Genealogical, Heraldic, and Paleographic Studies. She also earned her Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. Currently, Shannon is a doctoral student in History and Genealogical Studies at the University of Strathclyde.