The goals of this project are fluid in nature as we all learn how DNA information can help solve our deep ancestral and genealogical brick walls. Goals may be adjusted dynamically as this project grows and is unfortunately primarily driven by somewhat random testing of interested R-L21 researchers. This project can primarily provide only labor for analysis and advice for additional testing. If donations are made to the R-L21 WTY or R-L21 Plus general fund, the objectives listed below will be primary focus of usage of these funds. Without well-defined objectives, any project will have a difficult task of achieving goals since there are no goals to strive for. Below are the primary objectives of the R-L21 Private Project:

1) This project is primarily a Y-SNP based study and is limited to only R-L21+ submissions and any Y-SNPs that are descendants of R-L21. Primary testing will be Y-SNP tests from Family Tree DNA due to this company offering the widest and most comprehensive testing available for Y-SNP testing. FTDNA also has the largest number of Y-STR submissions to analyze and provides compatible markers that can be analyzed. Y-STR submissions will be used to determine possible Y-SNP testing candidates. In depth analysis will be provided for only 67 marker submissions as any less data is not sufficient for Y-SNP analysis. Eventually, analysis of 111 marker submissions may be analyzed as sufficient numbers are tested and FTDNA fixes Y-Search database to accept all 111 markers.

2) This project is limited to only Y-SNPs that are descendants of R-L21. Additionally, this project is limited only to Y-SNPs that have been discovered over two or three months from the current date. Very limited information will provided for the broadly defined branches of L21 which include: M222, L226, L513, L159.2 and DF21. This project currently has a strong bias towards L21* Y-SNPs (those submissions that do not any proven Y-SNPs that descend from L21). As time permits, L21 grandsons and their descendants will be added if these Y-SNPs are not considered too broad in scope. This project will primarily focus on the "private" and "near private" Y-SNPs under R-L21 haplogroup. This project will also concentrate on "terminal" Y-SNPs (those that have no known Y-SNP descendants). It will provide very high level summaries (DNA fingerprints and scope of Y-SNP) for broad Y-SNPs as time permits.

3) This project is primarily includes analysis of deep ancestry research. However, this analysis will have a genealogical bias and will be oriented towards those genealogists who are attempting to understand the impact of deep ancestry research on their analysis of DNA for genealogical purposes. I use very leading edge and speculative methodologies with my analysis and I am constantly learning more about this complex topic. There are bound to be some errors in my analysis based on my limited understanding of this topic. I welcome comments, corrections and additions for any of my analysis. It is an objective of this project to always be on the leading edge of DNA analysis. This approach will reveal more information overall – but also could introduce some errors as well.

4) This project will attempt to define and track Y-STR DNA fingerprints associated with most SNPs under R-L21. This tracking will not include any recently discovered Y-SNPs during the first few months after discovery as these newly discovered SNPs are well covered in the R-L21 Yahoo forum. Over time, it is hoped that this web site will provide guidance on which Y-SNPs to test based on Y-STR fingerprints. It is hoped that much of the random Y-SNP testing will be replaced by testing based on Y-STR matches. It is a long term goal of this project to recommend well planned and organized Y-SNP testing based on Y-STRs.

5) This project will also attempt to provide a consolidated web site where those who are new to deep ancestry research can quickly find educational information. This project will provide links to other web sites where scientific papers, research tools and other information will assist those trying to get started in deep ancestry research. Much of this material may have a genealogical slant as it is expected that many more genealogists will become very interested in deep ancestry research as these Y-SNPs approach the genealogical time frame.