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Recreating Death’s Half Acre: Forensic Science and Tech Farm

Explore the world of forensic science at Louisiana Tech University, including coursework, research activities, and future directions. Learn about forensic anthropology, forensic taphonomy, and forensic archeology.

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Recreating Death’s Half Acre: Forensic Science and Tech Farm

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  1. Recreating Death’s Half Acre:Forensic Science and Tech Farm Dr. David K. MillsLouisiana Tech University

  2. Forensic Science at Louisiana Tech University • A Brief History • Coursework • Research Activities • Future Directions

  3. Forensic Science What is it? Components- Applied Science Basic Science Legal/Courts & Testimony Facilities

  4. Scope of Forensic Science Criminalistics Specialities Medicine Anthropology Odontology Entomology Others

  5. History of Forensic Science Chinese medicine-6th Century 1839-MJB Orfila, toxicology Late 1800s-Alexandre Lacassagne, ballistics and bloodstain patterns 1910-Edmund Locard, exchange principle 1924-August Vollmer, LAPD crime lab 1932-FBI Laboratory, fingerprints

  6. Forensic Science is NOT

  7. Forensic Science is • CS Investigators • Physical Evidence • Forensic Science • Forensic Taphonomy • Forensic Archeology

  8. Forensic Anthropology at Louisiana Tech University Integrating Field Investigations with Laboratory Analysis

  9. Coursework in Forensic Science • Forensic Anthropology • Biological Anthropology • Research in Forensic Anthropology • Readings in Forensic Science • Readings in Bioanthropology

  10. Human Osteology Lab Objectives • Intense instruction in human osteobiology • Methods used in human identification • Aging • Sexing • Population Affinity • Diet • Pathology • Trauma

  11. Investigative Field Techniques • Simulated Crime Scenes • Pics as model corpses • Forensic Taphonomy • Forensic Archeology • Moot Court

  12. Crime Scene Excavation • Site survey and discovery • Crime scene preservation • Site formation processes • Site excavation • Forensic archeological methods • Importance of context and the • chain of evidence • The art of archeology

  13. Recovery and Analysis • Recovery of material artifacts • Data recording • Forensic photography • Preservation of skeletal remains • Preliminary field analysis • Curation and transport

  14. Investigative Field TechniquesForensic Archeology

  15. Laboratory Analysis and Reconstruction

  16. Forensic Case Report and Mock Inquest • Each forensic team submits a written forensic case report. • In a mock inquest, students assume the role of expert witness and defend their conclusions. • At conclusion of inquest, crime scenario is presented and discussed as regards forensic team findings.

  17. Model Human Corpse • Hormel pygmy pig is used as a model human corpse • Document arthropod succession as means for determination of post-mortem death interval • Document patterns of decomposition and disarticulation • Model corpse is used for other research purposes (e.g. studies in taphonomy)

  18. Forensic Entomology • Students prepare experimental area • in environment A • Two entomology groups will • sample, monitor and analyze • arthropod and tissue samples • Model corpse is placed in secured • cage surrounded by dead fall • traps • Sampling will begin when first • blow fly lands

  19. Sampling is done at set times in • morning and afternoon • Temperature, rainfall and other • climatic measures are taken • Arthropods are sorted and counted. • Taxonomic identification is made • and arthropod succession is • determined. • Tissues are fixed and processed • for paraffin embedding and • stained. • .

  20. Research Activities inForensic Taphonomy • Bioturbation • Cut mark analysis • Differentiating bone trauma from geofact • Cell and tissue decay • Site formation processes • Chlorophyll concentration as PMI indicator • Hydraulic transport and differential preservation

  21. Image Analysis and Forensic Anthropology

  22. Bone Modification

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