In Greek Mythology the Hydra was a creature that had multiple heads, each of which, if cut off, grew back as two. We couldn't think of a better fitting analogy for the recent Bigfoot DNA research.
Many folks have tried to define Bigfoot DNA via hair samples, saliva, scat, etc. The DNA research was mostly being done by universities and other facilities that were presented with the evidence, but not really interested in the saquatch phenomena as a whole.
The Erickson Project was a means to get serious about Bigfoot evidence and DNA in particular. Melba Ketchum, a DNA expert, joined the team and eventually a statistician named Richard Stubstad. At one point they were working for the same team, but now they seem to be going in different directions like the many haeads of a hydra. recently there have been a few updates to what Melba and Richard have been up to.
Melba Ketchum is currently the highest profile person working to define Bigfoot DNA. She studied at Texas A&M University where she received her doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. In 1985 she founded DNA Diagnostics, a self-described leader in all types of DNA testing including: human and animal forensics, human and animal paternity and parentage testing, disease diagnostics, trait tests, animal and human identity testing, species identification and sex determination.
In recent news Melba Ketchum, the current queen of Sasquatch DNA research, has announced that the presentation of her research has taken longer than expected and has "assembled a renowned team, each of us with our own specialties."
You can read her full statement below:
Ok, for the sake of time ( and I hope all of you understand), I will answer everyone publicly here. I keep getting a lot of emails from everyone wanting to know the status of the project. Though I cannot give details or timing, I will assure everyone that all is well and we are continuing to move forward.
Good science cannot be forced or quickly completed. If it is not extremely thorough, then it will all be for naught and any paper rejected outright. So, I ask you to be patient and understanding and realize that extreme scientific overkill is required in order to convince a world full of skeptical scientists. "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof". This is what we are doing. When we started this, I thought we would be finished in a few weeks, but instead as Sasquatch are known to do, they threw us curve balls even with their DNA which can be as elusive as they are. Thank goodness we are past that! As a result, we have assembled a renowned team, each of us with our own specialties to make this project "extraordinary".
If everyone will hang in there, I promise it will be worth the wait. We have the proof, now just give us the opportunity to present it in a form that will even convince skeptics. Thanks so much for all of your emails and support. Best wishes to all.
Richard Stubstad is a Registered Civil Engineer and Statistician who graduated from U.C. Berkeley (MSCE) in 1969.Within a few months, Richard made contact with Adrian Erikson, Robert Schmalzbach (“Java Bob”), Shannon Sylvia and Dr. Melba Ketchum, among others, and initiated the mitochondrial sequencing of several purported sasquatch samples through Dr. Ketchum’s DNA diagnostics laboratory in Texas.
According to Mike Rugg, owner of the Bigfoot Discovery Museum in the video below Richard Stubstad has begun his own independent Bigfoot DNA research.
