Shahzad Arsi is a science writer and independent researcher based in India, specialising in genetics, heredity, and molecular biology. He founded TraitGen after recognising how much confusion exists around everyday genetics questions, especially among expecting parents.
His approach is straightforward: every calculator and article must be traceable to an established genetic principle or peer-reviewed research. TraitGen exists to inform, not to speculate.
Genetics textbooks are written for students. Research papers are written for other researchers. The internet is full of oversimplified myths and outright misinformation. Meanwhile, real families, expecting parents, and curious grandparents are left without trustworthy, accessible answers.
TraitGen was built to fill that gap. We take established genetic science, explain the real mechanisms behind common traits, and provide interactive tools that let families explore probabilities themselves based on the same models used in academic genetics. Our calculators show probabilities, not certainties. And we are always honest about what genetics can and cannot tell you.
Every calculator is built on genetic models drawn from peer-reviewed research. Simple traits use Mendelian inheritance grids. Complex traits use polygenic models accounting for contributions from both parents and grandparents.
🧬 Mendelian traits
Traits like earlobe type, dimples, tongue rolling, and cleft chin follow classical dominant and recessive patterns. Our calculators apply Punnett square logic updated with modern gene-mapping data.
🧩 Polygenic traits
Eye colour, height, skin tone, and hair colour are each influenced by hundreds of genetic variants. Our models factor in contributions from both parents and in many cases grandparents, producing probability ranges rather than single outcomes.
🔒 Private by design
All calculations happen locally in your browser. Nothing you enter is sent to our servers, stored, or shared with anyone. Your family information stays completely on your own device.
📚 Research-based
Every factual claim is traceable to published genetics research from sources including the National Institutes of Health, OMIM, and peer-reviewed journals in human genetics.
Research-first writing
Every article and calculator starts with the established science, not with what sounds interesting. Claims are checked against primary sources before publication.
Honest about uncertainty
Genetics is probabilistic, not deterministic. We always explain what our calculators can and cannot predict, and why certainty is not possible for most traits.
No false credentials
We make no claims about medical partnerships, unnamed review boards, or clinical validation. What you see is what we are: a dedicated science education site.
Open to correction
If you find a factual error, contact us and we will review and correct it promptly. No defensive hedging, no delay.
We believe transparency about limitations is part of being trustworthy. TraitGen is an educational platform only.
If you have genuine concerns about hereditary health conditions, please consult a qualified genetic counsellor or your healthcare provider.