I really like this idea!

Here's a tip: Brazil has a really large academic platform (Plaforma Lattes) which is widely used. I'm not sure it's possible, but it would be great if you could use the information. Check it here: http://lattes.cnpq.br/ (plus, the search page: http://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do?metodo=apr...)

I'm aware that Brazil is not exactly the center of the Academic world, but PhD research is a pretty globalized endeavour. Plus, it would be fun to see how the pedigree lines crosses borders.

Plus, this might be one of the largest database in the world. Every single Brazilian professor I've meet has a profile there.