Violence and trauma are nestled in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several in... more Violence and trauma are nestled in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several international and domestic organizations have formed to conduct investigations following instances of political unrest and sociocultural violence. These inhumane events are evidenced by structural violence, an invisible trauma that exacerbates societal discrepancies within a population and can manifest harm to marginalized groups. Structural violence can be observed in both living individuals and through the treatment of human remains. Individuals who are missing or remain unidentified from violent outbreaks are often from marginalized groups. Therefore, a biocultural approach is necessary as it emphasizes the interplay between biology, environment, and culture. Recent work on human rights violations in the Americas has focused on fatalities due to increased migration at the US/Mexico border. Multiple organizations from the United States and other countries have developed strategies to ass...
Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthro... more Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthropology. These barriers create and exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially among marginalized groups, that need to be addressed. The lack of diversity in U.S. forensic anthropology is well documented. At the same time, there has been a significant upswing in academic programs focusing on forensic anthropology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, to be successful and promote retention, these programs must address the pervasive structural barriers that continue to impede diversity. Major impediments include the hierarchical structure, illusion of objectivity, racial and cis-gender-biased methodologies, and belonging uncertainty. At all levels, peer engagement and active, constructive mentorship may both semantically and structurally allow for a bridge between the past and the future. Pedagogy and professional practices in forensic anthropology must be modernized and restru...
Violence and trauma are nested in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several int... more Violence and trauma are nested in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several international and domestic organizations have formed to conduct investigations following instances of political unrest and sociocultural violence. These inhumane events are evidence of structural violence, an invisible trauma that exacerbates societal discrepancies within a population and can manifest harm to marginalized groups. Structural violence can be observed in both living individuals and through the treatment of human remains. Individuals who are missing or remain unidentified from violent outbreaks are often from marginalized groups. Because of this, a biocultural approach is necessary as it emphasizes the interplay between biology, environment, and culture. Recent work in the Americas on human rights violations has focused on fatalities due to increased migration at the US/Mexico border. Multiple organizations from the United States and other countries have developed strategies to assist in the recovery, identification, and repatriation of migrants. We aim to highlight the biocultural approach in these humanitarian actions, especially the practice of forensic anthropology, with structural violence and humanitarian identification efforts related to the missing and unidentified persons found along the US/Mexico border.
Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthro... more Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthropology. These barriers create and exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially among marginalized groups, that need to be addressed. The lack of diversity in U.S. forensic anthropology is well documented. At the same time, there has been a significant upswing in academic programs focusing on forensic anthropology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, to be successful and promote retention, these programs must address the pervasive structural barriers that continue to impede diversity. Major impediments include the hierarchical structure, illusion of objectivity, racial and cis-gender-biased methodologies, and belonging uncertainty. At all levels, peer engagement and active, constructive mentorship may both semantically and structurally allow for a bridge between the past and the future. Pedagogy and professional practices in forensic anthropology must be modernized and restru...
Forensic anthropologists have been involved in investigating genocide and crimes against humanity... more Forensic anthropologists have been involved in investigating genocide and crimes against humanity for many decades. Raphael Lempkin first coined the term “genocide” in 1944, and in 1946, the United Nations General Assembly codified it as an independent crime. However, there has not been a systematic review available to better understand the history of many of these atrocities. Moreover, many of these events have not been discussed outside the cultures and individuals affected. This targeted literature review will discuss work on historic, lesser-known, modern genocides, and finally, the humanitarian forensic work being conducted in the field and digitally. Such events discussed include Herero and Namaqua, Sayfo, Armenian, Holodomor, Nanking (Nanjing), Romani, Palestinian, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sikh, and Rohingya genocides. Work being done in this important sector of research is a critical development for not only recognizing these crimes but also for documenting and protecting the e...
Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarcha... more Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarchaeological context. Interpretations of CDFs, using a structural vulnerability framework, allow for examination of possible socioeconomic and sociocultural factors that influence an individual's life history. Placement of CDFs in relation to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their potential connections to structural violence become essential for analysis. This case study presented Burial 49 from the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum (MSA). Burial 49 was an adult individual (probable male) who exhibited antemortem trauma to the left parietal bone with an associated CDF. The injury location had the potential to cause a variety of neurological and developmental issues, including difficulty understanding spoken/written language. This case study demonstrates how CDFs, structural violence, and social vulnerabilities might have contributed to an increased risk of MSA admittance and provide context for why this individual was marginalized.
Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarcha... more Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarchaeological context. Interpretations of CDFs, using a structural vulnerability framework, allow for examination of possible socioeconomic and sociocultural factors that influence an individual's life history. Placement of CDFs in relation to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their potential connections to structural violence become essential for analysis. This case study presented Burial 49 from the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum (MSA). Burial 49 was an adult individual (probable male) who exhibited antemortem trauma to the left parietal bone with an associated CDF. The injury location had the potential to cause a variety of neurological and developmental issues, including difficulty understanding spoken/written language. This case study demonstrates how CDFs, structural violence, and social vulnerabilities might have contributed to an increased risk of MSA admittance and provide context for why this individual was marginalized.
The benefits of a diverse and inclusive working environment are well documented. This study exami... more The benefits of a diverse and inclusive working environment are well documented. This study examined forensic science literature, demographic data reported from professional organizations, and demographic surveys to compile information regarding racial and ethnic diversity within different subdisciplines of forensic science. Results showed that practitioners self-identified as Black or Hispanic were underrepresented in scientific fields closely related to forensic science. Moreover, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students were underrepresented at the undergraduate level, despite increasing college enrollments. This lack of representation may have consequences on knowledge production and innovation. By recognizing the current status of diversity in forensic science, this study is the first step toward mitigating the trend of underrepresentation. We encourage professional organizations to be transparent about the diversity in their membership and provide actual practitioner demographic statistics. These data are beneficial to studying the effects of underrepresentation and developing effective strategies to improve representation.
High-resolution computed tomography images were acquired for 31 proximal human tibiae, age 8 to 3... more High-resolution computed tomography images were acquired for 31 proximal human tibiae, age 8 to 37.5 years, from Norris Farms #36 cemetery site (A.D. 1300). Morphometric analysis of subchondral cortical and trabecular bone architecture was performed between and within the tibial condyles. Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine the association between region, age, body mass, and each morphometric parameter. The findings indicate that age-related changes in mechanical loading have varied effects on subchondral bone morphology. With age, trabecular microstructure increased in bone volume fraction (p = 0.033) and degree of anisotropy (p = 0.012), and decreased in connectivity density (p = 0.001). In the subchondral cortical plate, there was an increase in thickness (p < 0.001). When comparing condylar regions, only degree of anisotropy differed (p = 0.004) between the medial and lateral condyles. Trabeculae in the medial condyle were more anisotropic than ...
The objective of this study is to explain the subchondral trabecular and the cortical ontogenetic... more The objective of this study is to explain the subchondral trabecular and the cortical ontogenetic changes that occur in the proximal tibia in both the medial and lateral condylar regions due to differential loadings associated with changing knee joint kinetics and body mass. The differential response of subchondral bone to changing mechanical loads during growth and development serves as a powerful tool to evaluate the significance of mechanical loading on subchondral bone morphology and joint development, and can offer insight into adult morphological variation for joint health.
Although many variables that skeletal biologists examine have been standardized, the actual tec... more Although many variables that skeletal biologists examine have been standardized, the actual techniques used to collect these data from bone thin sections vary. This project compares different methods of obtaining data (relative cortical area values) for histomorphometric research. One visual and three digital methods of histomorphometric data collection are compared: (i) Merz microscopic eyepiece counting reticule, (ii) flatbed scanner, (iii) overlaying multiple images of a thin section, and (iv) digital SLR camera with macro settings. The discussion includes a comparison of usability factors such as cost, time, user-experience, and ease-of-use, which vary for each method. Values from the different methods are compared using ANOVA tests to evaluate inter-method, inter-observer, and intra-observer variability. Intra-observer error was greater for the microscopic method, although the error values are concomitant with experience. We found no statistically significant differences between the four methods examined, but certain caveats must be addressed when these methods are used.
Jesse R. Goliath, PhD*, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS; Matthew C. Go, PhD, ... more Jesse R. Goliath, PhD*, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS; Matthew C. Go, PhD, SNA International, Supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI; Allison Nesbitt, PhD, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Aaron J. Young, MA, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Sydney S. Garcia, MA, SNA International, Supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, HI
Learning Overview: After attending this presentation, attendees will better understand the important contributions of early non-White forensic anthropologists and related scientists and their contributions to the field.
Impact Statement: The goal of this presentation is to impact the forensic science community by highlighting the lack of diversity when teaching the history of forensic anthropology, its implications, and providing a solution to this gap. The prevailing narrative of who has participated in forensic anthropology is arguably exclusive of non-White scholars and practitioners. Introductory textbooks in forensic anthropology and award names of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Anthropology Section are examples of the types of people the field has traditionally regarded as worthy of exaltation. Our discipline retains a gaping hole in the historical record of important contributions led by those left out of the established pantheon. Unvaried participation in forensic anthropology creates a stagnant discipline that stifles
innovation, impedes talent acquisition and retention by demoralizing the participation of non-White professionals, and obstructs the possibility to adapt to the needs of a just and equitable discipline. Through this presentation, there is hope to shed light on the lack of diversity among those widely cited as American forensic anthropology’s forebearers and to provide other luminaries to consider when teaching our history and considering names for section awards and accolades.
The format of this presentation adopts the widely used periodic system of forensic anthropology’s historical foundations, whereby its development is split between a Formative Period (Early 1800s–1938), Consolidation Period (1939–1971), and Modern Period (1972–Present). Within each period, this presentation introduces early pioneers such as W. Montague Cobb, Charles Warren, Caroline Bond Day, Tadao Furue, Kazuro Hanihara, Mahmoud El-Najjar, and others by highlighting their contributions to the discipline. Importantly, this presentation critiques the need to engage in this endeavor
and why it has taken this long to do so and also reflects on the difficulties in curating this list and how it speaks to larger systemic issues of inclusion and recognition vis-à-vis race within the discipline of forensic anthropology.
.................................................................................................... more .............................................................................................................................. ii Dedication ........................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. vi Vita ................................................................................................................................... viii List of Tables ................................................................................................................... xvi List of Figures.....................................................................................xviii List of Abbreviations..............................................................................xxii Chapter 1: Research Considerations for Study of Subchondral Bone Microarchitecture .
Violence and trauma are nestled in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several in... more Violence and trauma are nestled in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several international and domestic organizations have formed to conduct investigations following instances of political unrest and sociocultural violence. These inhumane events are evidenced by structural violence, an invisible trauma that exacerbates societal discrepancies within a population and can manifest harm to marginalized groups. Structural violence can be observed in both living individuals and through the treatment of human remains. Individuals who are missing or remain unidentified from violent outbreaks are often from marginalized groups. Therefore, a biocultural approach is necessary as it emphasizes the interplay between biology, environment, and culture. Recent work on human rights violations in the Americas has focused on fatalities due to increased migration at the US/Mexico border. Multiple organizations from the United States and other countries have developed strategies to ass...
Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthro... more Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthropology. These barriers create and exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially among marginalized groups, that need to be addressed. The lack of diversity in U.S. forensic anthropology is well documented. At the same time, there has been a significant upswing in academic programs focusing on forensic anthropology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, to be successful and promote retention, these programs must address the pervasive structural barriers that continue to impede diversity. Major impediments include the hierarchical structure, illusion of objectivity, racial and cis-gender-biased methodologies, and belonging uncertainty. At all levels, peer engagement and active, constructive mentorship may both semantically and structurally allow for a bridge between the past and the future. Pedagogy and professional practices in forensic anthropology must be modernized and restru...
Violence and trauma are nested in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several int... more Violence and trauma are nested in human rights violations worldwide. Since the 1980s, several international and domestic organizations have formed to conduct investigations following instances of political unrest and sociocultural violence. These inhumane events are evidence of structural violence, an invisible trauma that exacerbates societal discrepancies within a population and can manifest harm to marginalized groups. Structural violence can be observed in both living individuals and through the treatment of human remains. Individuals who are missing or remain unidentified from violent outbreaks are often from marginalized groups. Because of this, a biocultural approach is necessary as it emphasizes the interplay between biology, environment, and culture. Recent work in the Americas on human rights violations has focused on fatalities due to increased migration at the US/Mexico border. Multiple organizations from the United States and other countries have developed strategies to assist in the recovery, identification, and repatriation of migrants. We aim to highlight the biocultural approach in these humanitarian actions, especially the practice of forensic anthropology, with structural violence and humanitarian identification efforts related to the missing and unidentified persons found along the US/Mexico border.
Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthro... more Implicit and explicit barriers to building a culture of belonging persist in U.S. forensic anthropology. These barriers create and exacerbate vulnerabilities, especially among marginalized groups, that need to be addressed. The lack of diversity in U.S. forensic anthropology is well documented. At the same time, there has been a significant upswing in academic programs focusing on forensic anthropology at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. However, to be successful and promote retention, these programs must address the pervasive structural barriers that continue to impede diversity. Major impediments include the hierarchical structure, illusion of objectivity, racial and cis-gender-biased methodologies, and belonging uncertainty. At all levels, peer engagement and active, constructive mentorship may both semantically and structurally allow for a bridge between the past and the future. Pedagogy and professional practices in forensic anthropology must be modernized and restru...
Forensic anthropologists have been involved in investigating genocide and crimes against humanity... more Forensic anthropologists have been involved in investigating genocide and crimes against humanity for many decades. Raphael Lempkin first coined the term “genocide” in 1944, and in 1946, the United Nations General Assembly codified it as an independent crime. However, there has not been a systematic review available to better understand the history of many of these atrocities. Moreover, many of these events have not been discussed outside the cultures and individuals affected. This targeted literature review will discuss work on historic, lesser-known, modern genocides, and finally, the humanitarian forensic work being conducted in the field and digitally. Such events discussed include Herero and Namaqua, Sayfo, Armenian, Holodomor, Nanking (Nanjing), Romani, Palestinian, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Sikh, and Rohingya genocides. Work being done in this important sector of research is a critical development for not only recognizing these crimes but also for documenting and protecting the e...
Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarcha... more Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarchaeological context. Interpretations of CDFs, using a structural vulnerability framework, allow for examination of possible socioeconomic and sociocultural factors that influence an individual&#39;s life history. Placement of CDFs in relation to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their potential connections to structural violence become essential for analysis. This case study presented Burial 49 from the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum (MSA). Burial 49 was an adult individual (probable male) who exhibited antemortem trauma to the left parietal bone with an associated CDF. The injury location had the potential to cause a variety of neurological and developmental issues, including difficulty understanding spoken/written language. This case study demonstrates how CDFs, structural violence, and social vulnerabilities might have contributed to an increased risk of MSA admittance and provide context for why this individual was marginalized.
Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarcha... more Cranial depression fractures (CDFs) are often associated with violence in a forensic and bioarchaeological context. Interpretations of CDFs, using a structural vulnerability framework, allow for examination of possible socioeconomic and sociocultural factors that influence an individual's life history. Placement of CDFs in relation to traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and their potential connections to structural violence become essential for analysis. This case study presented Burial 49 from the Mississippi State Lunatic Asylum (MSA). Burial 49 was an adult individual (probable male) who exhibited antemortem trauma to the left parietal bone with an associated CDF. The injury location had the potential to cause a variety of neurological and developmental issues, including difficulty understanding spoken/written language. This case study demonstrates how CDFs, structural violence, and social vulnerabilities might have contributed to an increased risk of MSA admittance and provide context for why this individual was marginalized.
The benefits of a diverse and inclusive working environment are well documented. This study exami... more The benefits of a diverse and inclusive working environment are well documented. This study examined forensic science literature, demographic data reported from professional organizations, and demographic surveys to compile information regarding racial and ethnic diversity within different subdisciplines of forensic science. Results showed that practitioners self-identified as Black or Hispanic were underrepresented in scientific fields closely related to forensic science. Moreover, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) students were underrepresented at the undergraduate level, despite increasing college enrollments. This lack of representation may have consequences on knowledge production and innovation. By recognizing the current status of diversity in forensic science, this study is the first step toward mitigating the trend of underrepresentation. We encourage professional organizations to be transparent about the diversity in their membership and provide actual practitioner demographic statistics. These data are beneficial to studying the effects of underrepresentation and developing effective strategies to improve representation.
High-resolution computed tomography images were acquired for 31 proximal human tibiae, age 8 to 3... more High-resolution computed tomography images were acquired for 31 proximal human tibiae, age 8 to 37.5 years, from Norris Farms #36 cemetery site (A.D. 1300). Morphometric analysis of subchondral cortical and trabecular bone architecture was performed between and within the tibial condyles. Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine the association between region, age, body mass, and each morphometric parameter. The findings indicate that age-related changes in mechanical loading have varied effects on subchondral bone morphology. With age, trabecular microstructure increased in bone volume fraction (p = 0.033) and degree of anisotropy (p = 0.012), and decreased in connectivity density (p = 0.001). In the subchondral cortical plate, there was an increase in thickness (p < 0.001). When comparing condylar regions, only degree of anisotropy differed (p = 0.004) between the medial and lateral condyles. Trabeculae in the medial condyle were more anisotropic than ...
The objective of this study is to explain the subchondral trabecular and the cortical ontogenetic... more The objective of this study is to explain the subchondral trabecular and the cortical ontogenetic changes that occur in the proximal tibia in both the medial and lateral condylar regions due to differential loadings associated with changing knee joint kinetics and body mass. The differential response of subchondral bone to changing mechanical loads during growth and development serves as a powerful tool to evaluate the significance of mechanical loading on subchondral bone morphology and joint development, and can offer insight into adult morphological variation for joint health.
Although many variables that skeletal biologists examine have been standardized, the actual tec... more Although many variables that skeletal biologists examine have been standardized, the actual techniques used to collect these data from bone thin sections vary. This project compares different methods of obtaining data (relative cortical area values) for histomorphometric research. One visual and three digital methods of histomorphometric data collection are compared: (i) Merz microscopic eyepiece counting reticule, (ii) flatbed scanner, (iii) overlaying multiple images of a thin section, and (iv) digital SLR camera with macro settings. The discussion includes a comparison of usability factors such as cost, time, user-experience, and ease-of-use, which vary for each method. Values from the different methods are compared using ANOVA tests to evaluate inter-method, inter-observer, and intra-observer variability. Intra-observer error was greater for the microscopic method, although the error values are concomitant with experience. We found no statistically significant differences between the four methods examined, but certain caveats must be addressed when these methods are used.
Jesse R. Goliath, PhD*, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS; Matthew C. Go, PhD, ... more Jesse R. Goliath, PhD*, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS; Matthew C. Go, PhD, SNA International, Supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI; Allison Nesbitt, PhD, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO; Aaron J. Young, MA, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ; Sydney S. Garcia, MA, SNA International, Supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor- Hickam, HI
Learning Overview: After attending this presentation, attendees will better understand the important contributions of early non-White forensic anthropologists and related scientists and their contributions to the field.
Impact Statement: The goal of this presentation is to impact the forensic science community by highlighting the lack of diversity when teaching the history of forensic anthropology, its implications, and providing a solution to this gap. The prevailing narrative of who has participated in forensic anthropology is arguably exclusive of non-White scholars and practitioners. Introductory textbooks in forensic anthropology and award names of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Anthropology Section are examples of the types of people the field has traditionally regarded as worthy of exaltation. Our discipline retains a gaping hole in the historical record of important contributions led by those left out of the established pantheon. Unvaried participation in forensic anthropology creates a stagnant discipline that stifles
innovation, impedes talent acquisition and retention by demoralizing the participation of non-White professionals, and obstructs the possibility to adapt to the needs of a just and equitable discipline. Through this presentation, there is hope to shed light on the lack of diversity among those widely cited as American forensic anthropology’s forebearers and to provide other luminaries to consider when teaching our history and considering names for section awards and accolades.
The format of this presentation adopts the widely used periodic system of forensic anthropology’s historical foundations, whereby its development is split between a Formative Period (Early 1800s–1938), Consolidation Period (1939–1971), and Modern Period (1972–Present). Within each period, this presentation introduces early pioneers such as W. Montague Cobb, Charles Warren, Caroline Bond Day, Tadao Furue, Kazuro Hanihara, Mahmoud El-Najjar, and others by highlighting their contributions to the discipline. Importantly, this presentation critiques the need to engage in this endeavor
and why it has taken this long to do so and also reflects on the difficulties in curating this list and how it speaks to larger systemic issues of inclusion and recognition vis-à-vis race within the discipline of forensic anthropology.
.................................................................................................... more .............................................................................................................................. ii Dedication ........................................................................................................................... v Acknowledgments.............................................................................................................. vi Vita ................................................................................................................................... viii List of Tables ................................................................................................................... xvi List of Figures.....................................................................................xviii List of Abbreviations..............................................................................xxii Chapter 1: Research Considerations for Study of Subchondral Bone Microarchitecture .
During forensic skeletal analyses, the skull is used to score a variety of characteristics relate... more During forensic skeletal analyses, the skull is used to score a variety of characteristics related to a biological profile, including age, sex, and evidence of trauma. Contemporary skeletal collections, like the New Mexico Decedent Image Database (NMDID), contain documented demographics and medical histories, including trauma, from hundreds of individuals [1]. These resources can provide another source of potential evidence for identification.
Skeletal remains with evidence of trauma have been known to assist with uncovering the identities of targeted people(s), the specific trauma they suffered, and the lasting biological and cultural impacts [2,3]. Trauma is often associated with violence (structural or interpersonal) and can be determined by assessing the injury mechanisms and other factors surrounding trauma to the skeleton (i.e., accidents or interpersonal violence). The objective of this study was to assess skull trauma from a documented skeletal database and examine how demographics can provide essential information on those who experience these types of injuries.
Data from 40 individuals associated with fatal skull trauma were collected from the NMDID and categorized by whether the trauma was accidental or interpersonal violence. The sample consisted of 10 females and 30 males between the ages of 15-85 years old, which were further divided into individuals older and younger than 40 years old (29 and 11 individuals, respectively). Statistical analyses were performed through Fisher’s Exact tests using RStudio Statistical Analysis software (v.4.1.2) to examine whether traumatic events were related to accidents or violence, and to compare sex and age demographics. The results of these analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.001) with higher rates of accidental skull trauma compared to violent skull trauma, but there was no observed significance with age or sex. However, there was a higher number of accidental incidents among individuals over 40 years old and the data showed a disproportionately high number of males with head injuries compared to females.
While results presented do not indicate significantly higher rates of physical violence, the higher number of accidents among individuals over 40 years old, and an increased number of accidents and violent events among males indicates that there may be evidence of structural violence. Interpretations of structural violence could include a lack of proper care for older individuals who are at an increased fall risk, and the possibility of gender-based violence among males. Further analysis into other societal factors and injury mechanisms could allow for a better understanding of how different forms of trauma relate to evidence of violence, and its overall impact on individuals within a population.
References: 1. Edgar, H., Daneshvari Berry, S., Moes, E., Adolphi, N., Bridges, P., & Nolte, K. 2020. New Mexico decedent image database. Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico: Albuquerque, NM, USA.
2. Pérez, V. R. 2016. The poetics of violence in bioarchaeology: Integrating social theory with trauma analysis. New Directions in Biocultural Anthropology, Hoboken (Nueva Jersey), Wiley & Sons, 453-469.
3. Passalacqua, N. V., & Rainwater, C. W. (Eds.). 2015. Skeletal trauma analysis: case studies in context. John Wiley & Sons.
Through a contextualized biocultural approach, ecological and political-economic causes were inve... more Through a contextualized biocultural approach, ecological and political-economic causes were investigated as potential stressors causal to linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) formation in Burial 1, representing an individual institutionalized at the Mississippi State Asylum (MSA), Jackson, MS (AD 1855-1935). LEHs represent periods of decreased enamel deposition during growth and development and are used to identify periods of prolonged, non-specific, physiological stress. Previous dendrochronological and isotopic analyses indicated Burial 1 was interred post-1926 and resided in northern Mississippi during development. Our results indicate that Burial 1’s LEHs formed episodically between birth and six years of age, based on defect location relative to crown development rates. Given an estimated age-at-death of 22-23 years, Burial 1 likely experienced physiological stress prior to institutionalization, between 1906-1909. Although weaning and other generalized stressors (i.e., infection) were potential contributors, the historical record suggests that this stress aligns with several political-economic and ecological events in early 20th century Mississippi that exacerbated already insalubrious conditions for children, the most socially and biologically vulnerable individuals. These include ecologically disruptive events, namely flooding and hurricanes (1906), and political and economic disruption, including boll weevil infestation (1907-1913) and intensifying racial terror, which cumulatively prompted the Great Migration (1910-1970). These intersected with the backdrop of systemic racism, race-based structural violence, intensifying poverty, and regional disease epidemics (e.g., pellagra). An osteobiographical approach enables further humanization of Burial 1, including identification of cumulative hardship during childhood, while contextualizing LEH formation within complex political-economic, social, and ecological experiences.
The Forensic Anthropology Case Team (FACT) at The Ohio State University is a volunteer organizati... more The Forensic Anthropology Case Team (FACT) at The Ohio State University is a volunteer organization that serves the Ohio community by assisting law enforcement agencies, coroner’s offices, and local communities in searching for, recovering, and analyzing/identifying human remains. In March 2014 members of the FACT team, at the behest of local officials, analyzed a set of remains presenting with an interesting degree of differential decomposition.
The remains in question were discovered in a small wooded area near a homeless camp located in downtown Columbus, OH, and recovered by the local police department and coroner’s office, without help from anthropologists. Due to the degree of decomposition the analysis conducted by the local coroner’s office was inconclusive, at which point they requested the assistance of FACT personnel in analyzing the remains.
Taphonomically, the remains superior to and including the pelvic girdle were found to be in a state of advanced decomposition, where all elements present were mostly skeletonized, though still articulated with varied amounts of desiccated soft tissue; however, the upper limbs were completely absent. In contrast, the lower limbs were still fleshed and displayed marbling as well as skin slippage, indicating they were only in the bloat stage of decomposition.
The postmortem interval (PMI) was estimated using Megyesi et al. (2005), which accounts for the level of decomposition across body regions through calculation of a Total Body Score (TBS). The TBS calculated from the elements present (i.e. no upper limbs) resulted in a 95% prediction interval of the PMI to be sometime in the three months preceding the discovery of the remains. However, one might logically infer that if the upper limbs were present they would have more closely resembled the decompositional state of the trunk, head and neck, rather than the lower limbs. Therefore, a second TBS was calculated by averaging the assumed disparity in decomposition between the upper and lower limbs, which resulted in a 95% prediction interval of the PMI to extend one month further back than the original PMI calculation. Subsequent DNA analysis identified the remains, and the individual was known to have gone missing at a time only covered by the second PMI estimate that inferred the decompositional status of the missing upper limbs.
The differential decomposition from this case is explained by the lower limbs having been protected by denim jeans and tennis shoes, while such protection was seemingly absent for the upper body. This case study suggests that, when possible, it is important to consider missing skeletal elements when estimating PMI. It may also be of particular interest to others practicing forensic anthropology in the Midwestern United States, as they may also see remains subjected to similar environments.
Numerous studies have reported on the age associated change in mean osteon size (On.Ar mm2) in hu... more Numerous studies have reported on the age associated change in mean osteon size (On.Ar mm2) in human cortical bone. While some report a decrease in On.Ar with age, other studies have found no change. The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between On.Ar and age in a variety of bones: metacarpals (74), clavicles (n=22), ribs (n=102), tibias (n=27) and femurs (n=38). All bone samples and data were obtained from a variety of sources; archaeological excavations, dissecting room cadavers, autopsies and forensic cases. On.Ar was quantified in the mid-shaft cortex of at least 50 osteons in each bone at 200x magnification using the point count method. Recently, a study of Euro-Canadian second metacarpals determined that there was no correlation between age and On.Ar. In this study On.Ar in a sample of Inuit second metacarpals was also found not to decrease with age (r=.10). Data from clavicles (r=.29), tibias (r=.32), ribs (r=.52), and femurs (r=.72) show a negative correlation between On.Ar and age. The strength of the correlation varies from low (clavicles) to strong (femurs) and appears to be bone specific. Sex based differences are also evident with the strongest, negative, correlation between On.Ar and age in the females of each bone group. Based on our data, a decrease in osteon size with increasing age is bone specific and appears to be most evident in females.
Skeletal histomorphometry is an important
tool for physical anthropologists
and can be used to ... more Skeletal histomorphometry is an important
tool for physical anthropologists
and can be used to estimate age and to
examine pathological conditions, activity
levels and overall health and nutrition.
In physical anthropology, measurements
most often analyze cortical bone
because of its durable nature. Although
the variables skeletal biologists examine
have been standardized, the actual
techniques used to accrue these data
from a thin section may vary. The purpose
of this research was to examine
the accuracy of newer technological
tools used to measure variables in comparison
to the standard eyepiece counting
reticule to determine whether there
was a significant variance in results
from each method. Total area (Tt.Ar.)
and cortical area (Ct.Ar.) were measured
and used to obtain a measurement
of relative cortical area (Tt.Ar/Ct.Ar.).
Three researchers with varying levels of
experience with histomorphometry compared
four methods of obtaining these
variables; one of them being the use of
a Merz1 counting reticule and three
others using the commonly used software,
ImageJ1, to measure cortical and
total area but obtaining the thin section
images in three different manners: 1)
using a flatbed scanner, 2) overlaying
multiple images of a thin section using
Photoshop1 and 3) using a digital SLR
camera with macro settings. Statistical
analyses using ANOVA indicate no significant
differences amongst observers
and the four methods examined. The
benefits and drawbacks of each method
are discussed as well as precautions one
should take while conducting histomorphometric
data collection.
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Papers by Jesse Goliath
Learning Overview: After attending this presentation, attendees will better understand the important contributions of early non-White forensic anthropologists and related scientists and their contributions to the field.
Impact Statement: The goal of this presentation is to impact the forensic science community by highlighting the lack of diversity when teaching the history of forensic anthropology, its implications, and providing a solution to this gap. The prevailing narrative of who has participated in forensic anthropology is arguably exclusive of non-White scholars and practitioners. Introductory textbooks in forensic anthropology and award names of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Anthropology Section are examples of the types of people the field has traditionally regarded as worthy of exaltation. Our discipline retains a gaping hole in the historical record of important contributions led by those left out of the established pantheon. Unvaried participation in forensic anthropology creates a stagnant discipline that stifles
innovation, impedes talent acquisition and retention by demoralizing the participation of non-White professionals, and obstructs the possibility to adapt to the needs of a just and equitable discipline. Through this presentation, there is hope to shed light on the lack of diversity among those widely cited as American forensic anthropology’s forebearers and to provide other luminaries to consider when teaching our history and considering names for section awards and accolades.
The format of this presentation adopts the widely used periodic system of forensic anthropology’s historical foundations, whereby its development is split between a Formative Period (Early 1800s–1938), Consolidation Period (1939–1971), and Modern Period (1972–Present). Within each period, this presentation introduces early pioneers such as W. Montague Cobb, Charles Warren, Caroline Bond Day, Tadao Furue, Kazuro Hanihara, Mahmoud El-Najjar, and others by highlighting their contributions to the discipline. Importantly, this presentation critiques the need to engage in this endeavor
and why it has taken this long to do so and also reflects on the difficulties in curating this list and how it speaks to larger systemic issues of inclusion and recognition vis-à-vis race within the discipline of forensic anthropology.
Learning Overview: After attending this presentation, attendees will better understand the important contributions of early non-White forensic anthropologists and related scientists and their contributions to the field.
Impact Statement: The goal of this presentation is to impact the forensic science community by highlighting the lack of diversity when teaching the history of forensic anthropology, its implications, and providing a solution to this gap. The prevailing narrative of who has participated in forensic anthropology is arguably exclusive of non-White scholars and practitioners. Introductory textbooks in forensic anthropology and award names of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences Anthropology Section are examples of the types of people the field has traditionally regarded as worthy of exaltation. Our discipline retains a gaping hole in the historical record of important contributions led by those left out of the established pantheon. Unvaried participation in forensic anthropology creates a stagnant discipline that stifles
innovation, impedes talent acquisition and retention by demoralizing the participation of non-White professionals, and obstructs the possibility to adapt to the needs of a just and equitable discipline. Through this presentation, there is hope to shed light on the lack of diversity among those widely cited as American forensic anthropology’s forebearers and to provide other luminaries to consider when teaching our history and considering names for section awards and accolades.
The format of this presentation adopts the widely used periodic system of forensic anthropology’s historical foundations, whereby its development is split between a Formative Period (Early 1800s–1938), Consolidation Period (1939–1971), and Modern Period (1972–Present). Within each period, this presentation introduces early pioneers such as W. Montague Cobb, Charles Warren, Caroline Bond Day, Tadao Furue, Kazuro Hanihara, Mahmoud El-Najjar, and others by highlighting their contributions to the discipline. Importantly, this presentation critiques the need to engage in this endeavor
and why it has taken this long to do so and also reflects on the difficulties in curating this list and how it speaks to larger systemic issues of inclusion and recognition vis-à-vis race within the discipline of forensic anthropology.
Skeletal remains with evidence of trauma have been known to assist with uncovering the identities of targeted people(s), the specific trauma they suffered, and the lasting biological and cultural impacts [2,3]. Trauma is often associated with violence (structural or interpersonal) and can be determined by assessing the injury mechanisms and other factors surrounding trauma to the skeleton (i.e., accidents or interpersonal violence). The objective of this study was to assess skull trauma from a documented skeletal database and examine how demographics can provide essential information on those who experience these types of injuries.
Data from 40 individuals associated with fatal skull trauma were collected from the NMDID and categorized by whether the trauma was accidental or interpersonal violence. The sample consisted of 10 females and 30 males between the ages of 15-85 years old, which were further divided into individuals older and younger than 40 years old (29 and 11 individuals, respectively). Statistical analyses were performed through Fisher’s Exact tests using RStudio Statistical Analysis software (v.4.1.2) to examine whether traumatic events were related to accidents or violence, and to compare sex and age demographics. The results of these analyses showed significant differences (p < 0.001) with higher rates of accidental skull trauma compared to violent skull trauma, but there was no observed significance with age or sex. However, there was a higher number of accidental incidents among individuals over 40 years old and the data showed a disproportionately high number of males with head injuries compared to females.
While results presented do not indicate significantly higher rates of physical violence, the higher number of accidents among individuals over 40 years old, and an increased number of accidents and violent events among males indicates that there may be evidence of structural violence. Interpretations of structural violence could include a lack of proper care for older individuals who are at an increased fall risk, and the possibility of gender-based violence among males. Further analysis into other societal factors and injury mechanisms could allow for a better understanding of how different forms of trauma relate to evidence of violence, and its overall impact on individuals within a population.
References:
1. Edgar, H., Daneshvari Berry, S., Moes, E., Adolphi, N., Bridges, P., & Nolte, K. 2020. New Mexico decedent image database. Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico: Albuquerque, NM, USA.
2. Pérez, V. R. 2016. The poetics of violence in bioarchaeology: Integrating social theory with trauma analysis. New Directions in Biocultural Anthropology, Hoboken (Nueva Jersey), Wiley & Sons, 453-469.
3. Passalacqua, N. V., & Rainwater, C. W. (Eds.). 2015. Skeletal trauma analysis: case studies in context. John Wiley & Sons.
The remains in question were discovered in a small wooded area near a homeless camp located in downtown Columbus, OH, and recovered by the local police department and coroner’s office, without help from anthropologists. Due to the degree of decomposition the analysis conducted by the local coroner’s office was inconclusive, at which point they requested the assistance of FACT personnel in analyzing the remains.
Taphonomically, the remains superior to and including the pelvic girdle were found to be in a state of advanced decomposition, where all elements present were mostly skeletonized, though still articulated with varied amounts of desiccated soft tissue; however, the upper limbs were completely absent. In contrast, the lower limbs were still fleshed and displayed marbling as well as skin slippage, indicating they were only in the bloat stage of decomposition.
The postmortem interval (PMI) was estimated using Megyesi et al. (2005), which accounts for the level of decomposition across body regions through calculation of a Total Body Score (TBS). The TBS calculated from the elements present (i.e. no upper limbs) resulted in a 95% prediction interval of the PMI to be sometime in the three months preceding the discovery of the remains. However, one might logically infer that if the upper limbs were present they would have more closely resembled the decompositional state of the trunk, head and neck, rather than the lower limbs. Therefore, a second TBS was calculated by averaging the assumed disparity in decomposition between the upper and lower limbs, which resulted in a 95% prediction interval of the PMI to extend one month further back than the original PMI calculation. Subsequent DNA analysis identified the remains, and the individual was known to have gone missing at a time only covered by the second PMI estimate that inferred the decompositional status of the missing upper limbs.
The differential decomposition from this case is explained by the lower limbs having been protected by denim jeans and tennis shoes, while such protection was seemingly absent for the upper body. This case study suggests that, when possible, it is important to consider missing skeletal elements when estimating PMI. It may also be of particular interest to others practicing forensic anthropology in the Midwestern United States, as they may also see remains subjected to similar environments.
tool for physical anthropologists
and can be used to estimate age and to
examine pathological conditions, activity
levels and overall health and nutrition.
In physical anthropology, measurements
most often analyze cortical bone
because of its durable nature. Although
the variables skeletal biologists examine
have been standardized, the actual
techniques used to accrue these data
from a thin section may vary. The purpose
of this research was to examine
the accuracy of newer technological
tools used to measure variables in comparison
to the standard eyepiece counting
reticule to determine whether there
was a significant variance in results
from each method. Total area (Tt.Ar.)
and cortical area (Ct.Ar.) were measured
and used to obtain a measurement
of relative cortical area (Tt.Ar/Ct.Ar.).
Three researchers with varying levels of
experience with histomorphometry compared
four methods of obtaining these
variables; one of them being the use of
a Merz1 counting reticule and three
others using the commonly used software,
ImageJ1, to measure cortical and
total area but obtaining the thin section
images in three different manners: 1)
using a flatbed scanner, 2) overlaying
multiple images of a thin section using
Photoshop1 and 3) using a digital SLR
camera with macro settings. Statistical
analyses using ANOVA indicate no significant
differences amongst observers
and the four methods examined. The
benefits and drawbacks of each method
are discussed as well as precautions one
should take while conducting histomorphometric
data collection.