Dr. Shelley Viola Murphy, known as "Family Tree Girl," is a well-respected professional genealogist, author, educator, and a regular on Black ProGen LIVE with host Ancestry's Nicka Sewell Smith and co-host genealogist True Lewis. With over 30 years of experience, she serves as a genealogy educator for the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina. Recently featured on the Today show, Dr. Murphy helped uncover the family history of NBC & MSNBC news journalist Craig Melvin.

Born and raised in Michigan, she now resides in central Virginia and is widely recognized for her engaging and interactive approach to genealogy. She is celebrated for her "SO WHAT" research method and her innovative problem-solving strategies, such as the use of timelines.

Murphy serves on the boards of the Library of Virginia and the Albemarle Charlottesville and Fluvanna Historical Societies. She is a coordinator and instructor at the Midwest African American Genealogy Institute (MAAGI) and develops educational programs for both staff and the public at IAAM.

In addition, she serves as the Genealogist General for the Society of the First African Families of English America and as a trustee for the International Society for British Genealogy and Family History. She is a member of the Genealogists Council for the 10 Million Names Project and holds memberships in several organizations, including the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (AAHGS), the National Genealogical Society (NGS), the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and various local genealogy groups.

Murphy currently works for the University of Virginia as the Descendant Project Researcher, seeking descendants of the enslaved laborers who built the university. She is also the host of "Freedmen’s Bureau Fridays" and has been an adjunct professor at Averett University since 2009. Dr. Murphy’s research spans Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Virginia/West Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and New England.

Through her passion and expertise, Dr. Murphy continues to make a significant impact in the field of genealogy, helping to preserve and uncover African American history for future generations.