Stan serves on the Council of the Clan McGrath Society as a DNA Advisor, with responsibility for matters related to Y-DNA research and the Mac Craith surname. His role includes advising on DNA-related policy and governance, supporting clear interpretation and communication of genetic evidence, and helping to identify research priorities. He also provides educational guidance to Society members, assisting them in understanding their Y-DNA results and how those findings relate to the shared family history and genealogy of the surname.
A retired environmental research scientist, Stan holds a doctorate in Microbiology from McGill University. During his scientific career, he published eight peer-reviewed research papers and authored more than forty technical reports, developing strong skills in analytical research and technical communication. He is also the editor and publisher of two family history books, reflecting a long-standing interest in genealogy and historical research.
He has been active in Y-DNA testing and analysis since 2015 and serves as administrator of the McGraw and variant surname Y-DNA Project, as well as co-administrator of the Cenél Eóghain Y-DNA Project at Family Tree DNA (FTDNA). A central focus of this work is linking modern testers bearing variants of the McGrath surname to recognized Gaelic lineages, including both major dynastic groups and well documented family branches across Ireland and Scotland.
To date, Stan’s work has identified six distinct and prominent historical Gaelic lineages of the surname in Ireland and one additional lineage in Scotland. His research on the genetic genealogy of the McGraths of Termonmagrath contributed to the recognition of Archbishop Miler Magrath as a “Notable Connection” in the FTDNA database. This designation allows present-day testers to compare their patrilineal results with one of the most historically significant figures associated with the McGrath name.
CLAN MCGRATH SOCIETY 