student newsletter - vifm · human body decomposition has re-cently been released in its first...

Issue 3 January — June 2016

Editors

Ms Samantha Rowbotham PhD Candidate, Monash University

Dr Soren Blau Forensic Anthropologist, Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

News & Updates

Thesis Research

Publications

Achievements

& Awards

Forthcoming

Conferences

Newsletter Student

Communications in Australia & New Zealand

Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology

News & Updates Osteological Training in Cambodia

By Jacqueline Noble Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Science, School of Anatomy, Physiology and

Human Biology, The University of Western Australia ([email protected])

In February 2016, three members of the Centre

for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Sciences

at the University of Western Australia (Assoc.

Prof. Daniel Franklin, Miss Ambika Flavel and

myself) travelled to Cambodia to assist Ameri-

can PhD student Julie Fleishman in teaching and

training a local Cambodian team methods for

osteological analyses. The Cambodian team con-

sisted of six individuals from various back-

grounds. The team is responsible for the analysis

of skeletal remains housed at Choeung Ek Geno-

cide Centre. Our role was to assist Julie in teach-

ing the Cambodian team methods of skeletal

analysis including age and sex estimation. We

spent two weeks in Cambodia, and during that

time we were able to explore Choeung Ek and

witness first-hand the amazing work they are

doing there to catalogue, analyse and preserve

all of the evidence of the Khmer Rouge Geno-

cide. We wish Julie good luck as she continues

to collect and analyse data for her PhD, and

want to thank Julie and Vuthy Voeun for invit-

ing us to Cambodia. Picture: The Cambodian team with Julie

and Ambika in front of the stupa at

Choeung Ek Genocide Centre

The School of Biomedical Sciences Skeletal

Collection, within the Human Craniofacial

and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID) Lab at

the University of Queensland, is progressing

smoothly. After one year of operations we

have now commenced processing the 13th

individual.

HuCS-ID Lab Update Human Osteology &

Paleopathology Reading Group By Georgia Roberts Latrobe University [email protected])

Expressions of interest are sought from people who would be

interested in joining a monthly reading group focused on

human osteology and palaeopathology.

We would meet once a month in Mel-

bourne at a café to discuss one or two

papers relevant to the area. Please send

expressions of interest to myself Geor-

[email protected] or Saman-

tha ([email protected]).

By Jodi Caple HuCS-ID, School of Biomedical Sciences, Uni-

versity of Queensland ([email protected])

(Image courtesy of C.Stephan)

Human Body Decomposition has re-

cently been released in its first edition

and aims to provide researchers with a

chronological overview of the re-

search to date on methods of estimat-

ing time since death. Written by Dr

Jarvis Hayman (FRCS (ed), FRACS,

MA (Hons), PhD) and Dr Marc Oxen-

ham (PhD, FSA), both of the School

of Archaeology and Anthropology at

the Australian National University, the

book draws on Hayman‟s extensive

medical experience combined with his

recent archaeological research, and

Oxenham‟s vast knowledge and work

in archaeology, palaeopathology and

bioarchaeology.

The book is comprised of five

chapters. Four of which cover the

stages of human decomposition,

1. the phase immediately after

death (rigor mortis and livor

mortis);

2. the phase when the body cools

(algor mortis);

3. the biochemical reactions and

chemical substances produced

during decomposition, and

4. the period from onset of putre-

faction until skeletonisation.

The fifth chapter provides a detailed

yet concise overview of recent re-

search and current trends in the devel-

opment of decomposition research and

recording.

Ambitiously, the book aims to

address these topics in just over 160

pages. This is achieved by concisely

reviewing and critiquing 200 years of

literature, from past to present, in or-

der to demonstrate the progression of

approaches, and concluding with a

summary of the major issues and suc-

cinct recommendations for the appli-

cation, or avoidance, of the various

methods available for estimating time

since death. Hayman‟s expert medical

knowledge is clear, yet the book is

written in such a way that forensic

anthropologists and archaeologists

will have no difficulty understanding

the themes discussed, regardless of

their medical background or lack

thereof.

Human Body Decomposition

provides researchers in forensic an-

thropology and archaeology with a

practical overview of the research to

date on time since death estimates for

the various stages of decomposition. It

is a well written and easily accessible

text, and will be most useful in in-

forming literature reviews for research

in the field, as well as providing a

quick reference for identifying key

concerns associated with the methods

used historically and currently to esti-

mate time since death.

Human Body Decomposition is

available in paperback from various

online stores (approximately $70) or

as an electronic book via Elsevier pub-

lishing for $30US. Further details can

be found here http://

store.elsevier.com/Human-Body-

Decomposition/Jarvis-Hayman/isbn-

9780128037133/.

‘Human Body Decomposition’: A New Text By Clare McFadden Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, Australian National University ([email protected])

Hayman, J. & Oxenham, M. (2016) Human Body Decomposition. Academic Press.

Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

mailto:[email protected]





http://store.elsevier.com/Human-Body-Decomposition/Jarvis-Hayman/isbn-9780128037133/




After 10 years of service in the Malaysi-

an Ministry of Health, I recently decided

to pursue my doctoral degree in Austral-

ia. During my time with the Ministry of

Health I worked in the mortuary of the

Sultanah Aminah hospital, Johor Bahru.

The mortuary was secluded from the rest

of the hospital, far away from other

buildings, and our department was the

state referral centre for forensic medi-

cine. Within our department we had two

forensic pathologists, three medical doc-

tors, three forensic science officers, four

medical assistants, and five mortuary

attendants.

The mortuary work environment

was quite challenging. Not only was it

difficult to find room to work in (I didn‟t

have a proper workstation but rather a

small change-room converted into a

clean working area that happened to be

just next to the post-mortem room and

opposite the two-tier body freezers) but

also working in a forensic medicine

team in Malaysia means I am a part of a

male-dominated discipline and that

brought its own unique challenges. Despite the challenging work

environment, I enjoyed the work. My

job included executing the technical

aspects of documentation and specimen

handling during post-mortem examina-

tions. This comprised: ensuring the

proper container, preservative and labels

were used for the specimens; organising

specific forms for specific laboratory

tests, and arranging any special tests

requested by the medical officer or

pathologist. In my later years there, this

role was extended to the management of

forensic histopathological cases, which

we received from other government dis-

trict hospitals. In addition to these tasks,

our team was also responsible for crime

scene visits as requested by the investi-

gating police officer; one of which in-

cluded inside a sewer treatment plant.

These crime scene visits were usually in

cases where the investigators were un-

certain if the manner of death was a

homicide or a sudden death. My task

during a crime scene visit was to docu-

ment and sketch the scene thoroughly so

that a reconstruction of the events that

led to the individual‟s death could be

provided in the report. During one par-

ticular disaster management case of a

capsized-boat, I was appointed the Pub-

lic Relation Officer and was responsible

for the collection of ante-mortem data.

This role involved interviewing any eye

witnesses of the event and interviewing

relatives of the deceased to establish

physical descriptions of the victims that

would assist with the identification pro-

cess.

My experiences in forensic an-

thropology specifically have included

the preparation of human skeletal re-

mains for post-mortem examinations

and being involved in the exhumation

process of illegal burials to assist with

the relocation of graves. The highlight

of my career would be when I was a part

of the archaeological excavation team

recovering the WWII United States Ar-

my Forces‟ Douglas C-47B aircraft Da-

kota (43-16261) crash at Mount Bubu,

Beruas, Perak in 2015. The mission in-

volved more than

110 members includ-

ing the United States

Defense POW/MIA

Accounting Agency,

the Army Museum,

the Army and Air

Force Headquarters,

the Perak Forestry

Department, the Na-

tional Institute of

Forensic Medicine,

and the Centre for

Global Archaeologi-

cal Research, Uni-

versity Sains Malay-

sia. Inspections of

the search area

where the plane had

crashed revealed two wings of the air-

craft as well as the engines and tail. Soil

was sieved for bones, aircraft parts and

personal belongings. I was there for four

days and mainly carried out the sieve

screening process.

Forensic anthropology is a very

fascinating subject to me. On average,

our mortuary received around three an-

thropological cases per year. Our col-

leagues at the east-coast of the Peninsu-

lar, Malaysia, definitely received many

more cases; perhaps due to the geo-

graphical location where they are bor-

dered by the South China Sea. When our

team did collect skeletal remains at the

scene or received them from the investi-

gating police officer, our main objective

was to develop a biological profile (age,

sex, ancestry and stature), identify any

skeletal pathologies (if present), and

comment on the cause of death (if possi-

ble). When developing the biological

profile we referred to the skeletal meth-

ods developed from western populations

simply because we do not have any pop-

ulation-specific standards for Malaysian

individuals. My work made me see that

the lack of population specific standards

is a gap that needs to be filled. Since I

love doing research and pursuing a PhD

seemed to be the next best thing for me,

I will be working on formulating and

validating Malaysian standards for fo-

rensic age estimations for my doctorate.

Personal Experiences Working in a Mortuary: A Kick-off to the PhD World

By Salina Hisham Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Science, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of

Western Australia ([email protected])

“The highlight of my ca-

reer would be when I

was a part of the archae-

ological excavation team

recovering the WWII

United States Army

Forces’ Douglas C-47B

aircraft .”

Salina is second from the left (photo courtesy of S.Hisham)


Interview with Dr Denise Donlon State Forensic Anthropologist for New South Wales

What first sparked your interest in forensic anthropology?

My interest actually came about as a result of my interest and study in Australian Aboriginal biological anthropology.

What qualifications did you require?

I have a BSc in Anatomy and Zoology, a BA(Hons) in Archaeology and Palaeoanthropology and a PhD in Biological Anthropol-

ogy. No particular practical qualifications but having excavation experience is useful.

How long have you been with the University of Sydney and how did you come to take on the role?

Since 1992 where I was employed as a tutor then a lecturer ( I teach Forensic Osteology and Comparative Primate Anatomy)

and also curator of the Shellshear Museum of Physical Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy.

What different areas of the discipline has your work involved?

Regular casework with the NSW Dept of Forensic Medicine – this involves examination of both human and non-human cases.

Occasional recovery of remains for NSW police.

Museums and Heritage bodies – reporting on Aboriginal and historic cases.

DVI – Sea King Helicopter crash after the 2004 tsunami, Christchurch earthquake.

Australian Defence Force – as a reservist in the RAAF I am involved in recovery of the war dead in Europe and in SE Asia and

PNG.

Top five career highlights…

1) Contributing to the identification of missing persons

2) Acting as an advisor to the Fromelles Project in France

in 2008 and 2009

3) Recovery and examination of Narrabeen Man – a 4000

year old Aboriginal ‘murder’

4) Recovery and examination of the Unknown Sailor from

the sinking of HMAS Sydney II during WWII

5) Recovery and examination of early Australians from his-

toric cemeteries such as the Destitute Children’s Asylum

and the Old Sydney Burial Ground in Sydney

While all of the above are not strictly speaking ‘forensic’,

the skill needs are the same.

What has been the most rewarding and challenging

aspect of the job?

Rewarding - contributing to the identification of missing persons. Challenging – court appearances.

Best piece of advice for those seeking a career in the discipline…

Have another option up your sleeves in case you can’t get that rare job in forensic anthropology. Think laterally – a job in a

related field may allow you to do research in the area of forensic anthropology and improve your prospects.

Occupation: Academic, Consultant and Curator

Employer: Department of Anatomy & Histology, University of Sydney

New South Wales Department of Forensic Medicine

Years of experience in the discipline: 26 years

(photo courtesy of D. Donlon)


New ‘Master of Forensic Anthropology’ Degree at UWA in 2017

Contact: Assoc. Prof. Daniel Franklin ([email protected]))

(Image courtesy of D. Franklin)


Welcome! New Academics at VIFM and ANU

Dr Justyna Miszkiewicz Lecturer in Biological Anthropology

Australian National University

Dr Catherine Merritt Associate Appointee, Human Identification Services

Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine


I‟m a biological anthropologist who has studied human and

non-human animal skeletal tissues for 7 years. I received my

PhD in Biological Anthropology (with a skeletal biology and

bioarchaeology focus) from the University of Kent

(Canterbury, UK) in 2014,

where I also held a short

lectureship in the same dis-

cipline (2013-2014). I was

later (2015) a member of the

Molecular Endocrinology

research group in the De-

partment of Medicine at Im-

perial College (London,

UK) assisting with skeletal

phenotyping of knockout

mice as part of a Wellcome-

Trust funded project on os-

teoporosis. I joined ANU in

January 2016 as a Lecturer

in Biological Anthropology

and mainly teach on the fol-

lowing undergraduate and postgraduate courses: Ancient

Health and Disease, Human Skeletal Analysis, Forensic Ar-

chaeology and Anthropology.

As part of my non-academic journey I worked (2008 -

2013) as an Assistant Osteologist and later Osteologist for a

professional Kent Osteologi-

cal Research and Analysis

(Canterbury, UK) centre, examining human remains from

British forensic and archaeological contexts.

My primary research aims are to reconstruct and fur-

ther our understanding of ancient human bone metabolism,

microstructural variation, and behavioural/ biomechanical

adaptation. My main research specialism lies in histology,

but I also have experience in experimental biomechanics and

micro-CT.

I‟ve really enjoyed my first few months at ANU (and

Australia!), and hope I get to meet some of you soon. Please

do get in touch ([email protected]) if you

are a researcher seeking collaboration, a student interested in

undertaking a research project or studying in our vibrant

School. (Photo courtesy of J. Miszkiewicz)

I am a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of

Canada (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Fellow, and I will be collect-

ing data for my project at the Victorian Institute of Forensic

Medicine (VIFM) in the Human Identification Centre for

three months (July to September 2016). My research focus-

es on the ways body size, in particular obesity, affects skele-

tal aging. Supported by a SSHRC Doctoral fellowship, I

obtained my PhD from the University of Toronto in 2014

under the supervision of Susan Pfeiffer for my project titled

“The influence of body size on adult skeletal age estimation

methods”, which was the first study to demonstrate how

body size influences skeletal age estimates. Analysing 814

skeletons, I was able to show that underweight individuals

are under-aged on average by 5 to 8 years compared to aver-

age and obese individuals, while obese individuals are over-

aged by 3 to 10 years compared to average and underweight

individuals.

My postdoctoral research builds on these findings by

using the post-mortem computed tomography scans at the

VIFM to measure fat and muscle tissues in relation to skele-

tal aging. The differential impact of muscle versus fat tissue

loading on bone may explain the patterns of skeletal aging

observed in my previous work. My hypothesis is that under-

weight individuals who are physically active are under-aged

compared to obese individuals because of the lower bone

remodelling rates associated with lean muscle mass. Con-

versely, obese individuals who are moderately active are

over-aged compared to underweight individuals because of

the higher bone remodelling rates associated with fat mass.

The mechanical stress of physical activity is increased on

obese individuals, resulting in higher rates of bone remodel-

ling, increased osteophytic

activity, and more degenera-

tion of the joint. By estimat-

ing skeletal age on CT scans

in relation to muscle and fat

tissue measurements and

bone mineral density

(BMD), I hope to establish a

body size indicator chart that

will help researchers revise

their analyses of skeletal fea-

tures in contexts where an

individual‟s body mass is

known or may be inferred

through bi-iliac breadth and/

or femoral head diameter.

(Photo courtesy of C.Merritt)

Affiliation: Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee

Degrees: BA(Hons), MSc., PhD.

Postdoctoral Project: The impact of body size on human skeletal aging: implications for archaeological, historical, and

forensic analyses.

http://programsandcourses.anu.edu.au/course/BIAN3125






HONOURS

Name: Kimberley Crabtree

Affiliation: Department of Archaeology and History, La Trobe University

Degree: Bachelor of Archaeology (Hons)

Supervisors: Dr Jillian Garvey

Status: Early Stages (submission October 2018)

Title: Natural disarticulation: a taphonomic study on Australian fauna

The natural disarticulation of carcasses has not been well re-

searched to date as most experiments have had the influence of

predatory fauna. One study conducted in 1978 by Andrew Hill

however, did find a link between the way bones come apart

naturally and the way an animal is butchered by hunters. To

investigate how the skeleton naturally disarticulates, this re-

search involves collecting macropod and wombat carcasses

(acquired following

death by car inci-

dents), which are

then secured in cag-

es to observe and

record how the

bones naturally dis-

articulate.

The species of ani-

mals chosen for analysis was based on the faunal assemblage

from Kutikina Cave, Tasmania. Macropods and wombats were

the two major prey species and if following the hypothesis of

Hill (1978), the dominance of certain bones in this faunal as-

semblage should be the first to disarticulate in this research ex-

periment.

This study is the

first of its kind in Aus-

tralia. Results obtained

will investigate the dif-

ferences between human

butchery practices of a

carcass and the transpor-

tation of a carcass by

different taxa. These find-

ings will be useful in future site interpretations of what is hu-

man, non-human and natural vectors of bone assemblage accu-

mulation. The data collected from this project will begin to aug-

ment the limited knowledge currently available for Australian

taphonomic studies and will contribute to future interpretations

in archaeological and, to a degree, palaeoecological, contexts.

(Photo courtesy of K. Crabtree)

A number of students from the University of Queensland and the Queensland University of Technology presented

their research at the 68th Annual meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. This year the meetings

were held from the 22nd to 27th of February in Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America. The theme of the

meetings was „Transformation: Embracing Change‟. Details of their presentations are as follows.

Caple JM, Stephan CN. (PODIUM). “Texture mapped average skulls created from

standardized photographs using the perception lab‟s psychomorph”.

Morris RJ, Lottering N, Reynolds MS, Gregory LS, MacGregor DM. (POSTER). “Semi

-automated volumetric quantification of the frontal sinuses: sexual dimorphism in a con-

temporary Australian subadult population”.

Reynolds MS, MacGregor DM, Bar-

ry MD, Lottering N, Gregory LS.

(POSTER). “Introducing standardized anthropological measure-

ment protocols for postcranial bones using three-dimensional

surface reconstructions in computed assisted design (CAD) soft-

ware”.

Lottering N*, Reynolds MS, Macgregor DM, Izatt MT, Grant

C, Adam C, Gregory LS. (PODIUM). “Apophyseal ossification of the iliac crest in forensic age estimation: new

standards for modern Australian subadults using computed tomography”. *Mikaela Reynolds presented on behalf of Nicolene

Lottering.

American Academy of Forensic Science Meeting

Thesis Research

(Photos courtesy of K. Crabtree)


MASTERS

Name: Stephanie Baker

Affiliation: School of Science and Health, Western Sydney University

Degree: Master of Research

Supervisors: Dr Hayley Green

Status: Early stages (commenced February 2016)

Title: An investigation of taphonomic changes and decomposition rates of remains after exposure to

cold environments: a porcine model

Name: Jessica Simmons

Affiliation: Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Sciences, School of Anatomy, Physiology and

Human Biology, University of Western Australia

Degree: Master of Forensic Science

Supervisors: Assoc/Prof Daniel Franklin (supervisor) and Ambika Flavel (co–supervisor)

Status: Early stages (commenced 2016)

Title: Demographics and health of unidentified teaching specimens: anthropological analysis of an

anatomy school collection

The University of Western Australia is the custodian of ap-

proximately 125 human skeletons, ranging from complete

articulating skeletons to isolated skulls. The individuals were

purchased as teaching and medical specimens prior to 1990

and anecdotal evidence suggests that they originated from

India. Documentation of the skeletal collection is limited to a

basic inventory of the skeletal elements present; there are no

records detailing the biological profile (age, sex, ancestry,

stature) of these individuals or their provenance.

The intention of my research is to improve our under-

standing of the demographic profile of this skeletal collection

by establishing osteobiographies (life histories) for each indi-

vidual. Data collection will comprise establishing a biological

profile (sex, age, ancestry and stature) for each individual us-

ing morphoscopic and morphometric osteological techniques,

and detailing other unique osteological indicators of skeletal

health using radiography techniques.

Results of this research will allow for validation of

the anecdotal history of the collection and provide a picture of

the lives of these individuals. Through understanding the de-

mographics of the collection and identifying osteological bi-

ases within the collection, this research will improve future

teaching and training with the collection and open up possibil-

ities for further research.

The objective of this research is to investigate the decomposi-

tion rate and disarticulation sequence of soft tissue and bone

at cold temperatures to determine the effect such tempera-

tures have on Post Mortem Interval (PMI) estimations. In

particular, this project is investigating how freezing and re-

frigeration affects the rate of decomposition of remains and

whether or not it is possible to determine macroscopically

(visual observation of the decomposition process) if a body

has undergone cold treatment at the time of death. Changes in

the microbiome of the remains as a result of varying tempera-

ture treatments will also be analysed.

Research conducted will use Sus Scrofa (domestic

pig) carcasses as an analogue for human remains. The car-

casses will be laid out on a soil surface to decompose natural-

ly in a bushland environment throughout the summer and

winter of 2017. The decomposition rate, disarticulation se-

quence and soft tissue changes will be recorded and com-

pared to a control (pig carcass which has undergone no tem-

perature treatment). Changes to the immediate environment

such as the presence or absence of cadaver islands (the area

around the remains where decomposition fluid has leached

into the soil) and insects will also be recorded. Microbial

swabs will be col-

lected to detect

changes that may

be occurring to the

microbiome of the

remains during the

decomposition

process, data log-

gers will be used

to collect internal

temperatures and

local ambient tem-

peratures, and humidity and rainfall data will also be collect-

ed. Internationally developed PMI estimation methods will be

applied and tested to determine their „universal‟ claims and

also to investigate their ability to accurately determine the

PMI of cold treated remains.

(Photo courtesy of S. Baker)


Name: Amanda Barville



Degree: Masters of Forensic Science

Supervisors: Assoc/Prof Daniel Franklin (primary) and Ambika Flavel (co-supervisor)

Status: Mid candidature (commenced January 2016)

Title: Age estimation from the measurement of open apices in the developing permanent dentition

Name: Ashley Bridge

Affiliation: Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, Australian National University

Degree: Master of Archaeological Science (Advanced)

Supervisors: Dr Justyna Miszkiewicz

Status: Completed (Submitted June 2016)

Title: Bridging the gap: looking at new ways to identify stature in forensics using contemporary

Australian anthropometric data

(Cameriere et al. 2006)

In Australia there is a high demand for research developing

population specific age estimation standards for use in forensic

casework. Currently, however, there are no documented gross

skeletal collections available in Australia from which to devel-

op population specific standards. As an alternative to these

large gross skeletal collections, it has been shown that meas-

urements taken from multi-

slice computed tomographic

(MSCT) scans of contempo-

rary individuals can be suc-

cessfully used to develop

standards specific to contem-

porary Australians.

This research project

involves establishing an age

estimation method specific to

contemporary Western Aus-

tralian sub-adult individuals

(<18 years of age) based on

the measurement of the open

root apices of the developing

permanent dentition. A sample of orthopantomograms (OPGs)

and multi-slice computed tomographic (MSCT) scans of con-

temporary Western Australian sub-adults will be used to visu-

alise and assess the development of the first seven permanent

teeth on the left side of the mandible. Using the Cameriere et

al. (2006) method (a method that has been validated in several

populations but has never been previously applied to a large

Australian sample), the ratio of tooth root to tooth height for

each of the seven left mandibular teeth will be calculated. Sta-

tistical data for the quantification of apical closure of Western

Australian sub-adults in relation to chronological age will be

formulated using linear regression analysis.

Results of this research are anticipated to be two fold.

Firstly, this project will investigate whether the accuracy of the

Cameriere et al. (2006) method is significantly different when

measurements of the open apices are acquired from MSCT

scans instead of from OPG scans. Secondly, this research pro-

ject will facilitate the development of an age estimation meth-

od specific to Western Australian sub-adults that can be uti-

lised in forensic case work.


Stature is one of the four key morphological characteristics

used when reconstructing a deceased individual‟s biological

profile. Therefore, establishing stature is of importance to fo-

rensic anthropologists in a variety of situations, particularly in

mass casualty scenarios, where multiple individuals are in-

volved that need to be identified. As the current methods for

establishing stature in modern, culturally diverse populations

are extremely limited, this thesis research sought to create stat-

ure prediction equations for culturally diverse populations that

could be successfully employed in Australia.

An Australian female specific population comprising of

53 respondents was used to create equations with known herit-

age/ancestry. An additional 7 individuals were added to account

for equations devoid of heritage/ancestry, culminating in a total

of 60 respondents. For each individual, anthropometric meas-

urements for the ulnae, radii, and tibiae were taken using palpa-

ble landmarks, and total stature was recorded using a stadiome-

ter (Charder HM200P Portable Height Rod). From the accrued

measurements, a total of 28 statistically significant models pre-

dicting stature from long bone lengths were produced using

both simple and multiple linear regression statistical modeling.

These models address both known and unknown heritage/

ancestry in an Australian sample. The latter models (devoid of

heritage or ancestry) were

produced to perceive any

differences between mod-

els due to factors such as

genetic or environmental

heritability, as both factors

play significant roles in the

growth of long bones in a

given population. There-

fore the primary researcher

wanted to illustrate wheth-

er measuring individuals

with unknown heritage/ancestry would alter the accuracy of the

equations produced when including heritage/ancestry. All mod-

els fitted the recorded data within a moderate to strong range (r2

= 0.337 - 0.615), across all variables.

The results of this modeling have produced new stature

prediction equations that will provide crucial foundational in-

formation on stature estimations within Australia. Additional

testing on another Australian sample will validate this study.

(Photo courtesy of A.Bridge)

Name: Magdalena Blaszkowska



Degree: Master of Forensic Science (Research)

Supervisors: Assoc/Prof Daniel Franklin (supervisor) and Ambika Flavel (co-supervisor)

Status: Early Stages (commenced 2016)

Title: Validation of the Iscan phase ageing method using clinical MDCT scans in an Australian

population

The utility of medical imaging modalities in the field of

„virtual‟ anthropology, such as multi detector computed to-

mography (MDCT), has been well established as an accurate

medium to assess the age estimation of skeletal elements.

There are a variety of age estimation methods but one of the

most commonly used methods to estimate the age of adult

skeletal remains in the Iscan et al. (1984, 1985) method which

establishes age ranges based on the morphology of the sternal

end of the fourth left rib. This research project concerns the

transposition of traditional methods of morphoscopic skeletal

analysis to a virtual platform for the purposes of estimating

age using the sternal rib ends in a Western Australian popula-

tion. This study is, to the best of the author‟s knowledge, the

first attempt to validate the use of the Iscan et al. (1984, 1985)

sternal rib end phase aging method using MDCT technology.

The intention of this research is to test the accuracy

of the Iscan et al. method in a Western Australian population,

and determine if the pattern of age related change in the mor-

phology of the fourth right sternal rib end follows the pattern

established by Iscan et al. Furthermore, the sternal ends of ribs

three, five and six on both the right and left ribs will be as-

sessed for the applicability of the method to ribs other than the

fourth, and the existence of any bilateral differences that may

influence age estimation.

Results of this study are anticipated to generate com-

prehensive population specific data for the estimation of age

in adults for use in forensic contexts, and subsequently fortify

forensic practice in Australia in general.

Name: Salina Hisham

Affiliation: Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Science, School of Anatomy, Physiology

and Human Biology, University of Western Australia

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

Supervisors: Assoc/Prof Daniel Franklin and Ambika Flavel

Status: First year candidature (commenced February 2016)

Title: Malaysian standards for forensic age estimation: formulation and validation based on the

analyses of multi detector computed tomographic images

DOCTORATES

When the identity of skeletal human remains is unknown, a

biological profile needs to be developed to assist with narrow-

ing the search of the missing persons database. This biological

profile includes an estimation of the individual‟s age, sex, an-

cestry and stature. In estimating these biological indicators of

identity, traditional skeletal

reference standards, devel-

oped from large documented

human skeletal collections

around the world, are general-

ly utilised. However, it has

been empirically demonstrat-

ed that these standards are

only specific to the population

that they were developed

from.

Population specific

forensic standards are currently not available for Malaysia.

This problem is due to the lack of available documented hu-

man skeletal collections specific to the Malaysian population

from which anthropologists can develop biological profile

standards. Therefore, this PhD research will begin establishing

Malaysian population specific standards for age estimation.

The Malaysian population comprises three main eth-

nic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian. Osteological data for

this study will be acquired from computed tomographic (CT)

scans of Malaysian individuals who presented to government

hospitals as patients and/or de-

ceased individuals referred to fo-

rensic morgues. The sample of

individuals will be representative

of the three major ethnic groups,

will comprise both males and fe-

males, and will range in age from

16 to 90 years old. The CT scans

will be anonymised upon receipt,

with only sex, age and ancestry

data retained. The scans will be

reconstructed and morphological

observations and measurements of selected skeletal landmarks

will then be documented. Malaysian age standards will be sta-

tistically formulated following established forensic methods.

It is expect this research will contribute much needed

standards for Malaysian forensic practitioners.

(Photo courtesy of S. Hisham)


Publications

Achievements & Awards

Congratulations to Emma Sievwright on the re-

cent submission of her Honours thesis “Do crani-

ometrics correlate with facial soft tissue thick-

nesses in a living adult Australian sample?” from

the University of Queensland. Also a particular

congratulations to Emma as she was awarded the

best mid-year Honours thesis presentation in the

University of Queensland‟s School of Biomedical

Sciences.

Congratulations to Ashley Bridge who recently graduated with a

Master of Archaeological Science (Advanced) degree from the Aus-

tralian National University. Ashley‟s thesis was entitled “Bridging

the gap: looking at new ways to identify stature in forensics using

contemporary Australian anthropometric data”.

Blau S. 2016. How traumatic: a review of the role of the forensic anthropologist in the examination and interpretation of

skeletal trauma. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences. DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1153715.

Franklin D, Swift L and Flavel A. 2016. „Virtual anthropology‟ and radiographic imaging in the forensic medical scienc-

es. Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences 6:31-43.

Garvey J, Blau S, Crabtree K. In Press. What people think are human bones: preliminary results from the Victorian Insti-

tute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM)/ La Trobe University animal bone project. Victorian Arch Colloquium volume.

Humphrey C, Kumaratilake J, Henneberg M. 2016. A stab in the dark: design and construction of a novel device for con-

ducting incised knife trauma investigations and its initial test. Forensic

Science International 262: 276-281.

Noble J, Flavel A and Franklin D. 2016. Quantification of the timing of

anterior fontanelle closure in a Western Australian population. Australian

Journal of Forensic Sciences. DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1153150.

Rowbotham SK, Blau S. 2016. Skeletal fractures resulting from fatal

falls: a review of the literature. Forensic Science International DOI:

10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.04.037.

Rowbotham SK, Blau S. 2016. The circumstances and characteristics of fatal falls in Victoria, Australia: a descriptive

study. Australian Journal of Forensic Sciences DOI: 10.1080/00450618.2016.1194472.

Stephan CN, Preisler R, Bulut O, Bennett M. 2016. Turning the tables of sex distinction in craniofacial identification: why

females possess thicker facial soft tissues than males, not vice versa. American Journal of Physical Anthropology

DOI:10.1002/ajpa.23029.

Congratulations to Samantha Rowbotham who

was awarded second place in the 2016 Three Mi-

nute Thesis competition at the School of Public

Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash Uni-

versity. Samantha was also recently a recipient

of the Australi-

an Postgraduate

Award.


Forthcoming Conferences

2016

Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society

This coming September (18th-22nd) the ANZFSS will hold

their 23rd International Symposium in Auckland, New Zea-

land. The conference welcomes practitioners, experts and

students from all forensic science disciplines for five days of

research presentations (including forensic anthropology and

archaeology sessions across a full day) and networking

events. The theme of the symposium is Together InForming

Justice. There are also 25 pre- and post- conference work-

shops available including a two day workshop on the

„Excavation of Human Remains: Towards A Best Practice

Approach‟ run at the University of Auckland, as well as a

number of workshops for new practitioners and researchers.

Registration for the conference and workshops are currently

available. Further details (including the plenary speakers and

preliminary program) can be found here:

www.anzfss2016.org/.

This year the 30th ASHB conference will be hosted by

the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The 2016 conference will run from the 5th to the 9th of

December (with welcome drinks on the 4th). The con-

ference welcomes oral and poster presentations from

all areas of human biology research (including foren-

sic anthropology and archaeology). Student presenters

are welcomed and very much encouraged! Abstracts

are currently being called for (due date for abstract

submissions is the 15th of September) and

registration will open in August. Further de-

tails for the conference, including the link

for registration and abstract guidelines, will

be found on the ASHB homepage in the fol-

lowing weeks: http://

school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/.

We encourage all students to become

members of ASHB as the society‟s role is to

support research (such as yours) and the or-

ganization is very welcoming and supportive of stu-

dents. The ASHB conference is always a great oppor-

tunity to network with other students and researchers

and become involved in the disci-

pline. Membership is only a $15

fee per annum and details can be

found on the homepage at: http://

school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/

memberships.html.

2016

Australasian Society for Human Biology


http://www.anzfss2016.org/

http://school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/

http://school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/

http://school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/memberships.html



Contact: For any enquires please contact

[email protected]

Image Disclaimer

All photographs and images used in

this publication are either the proper-

ty of the editors, have been provided by the

contributors, or are referenced below.

http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/dofm.html

https://svpow.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/vi_c_322.jpg http://www.yourdictionary.com//

images/3489.16.caliper.jpg

http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tds/images/caduceus/caduceus_large/caduceus_009.jpg

https://nicollelamerichs.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/

stack460.jpg http://www.michelherbelin.co.nz/stockists/search

http://www.conference.co.nz/anzfss16

http://school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/index.html http://bhs.beniciaunified.org/parents-students/graduation-

information

https://www.flickr.com/photos/sirwiseowl/371172885 http://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/find-a-program/programs-by-country/new-zealand/university-of-otago/ https://www.amazon.de/Human-Body-Decomposition-Jarvis-Hayman/dp/0128036915/ref=sr_1_2?s=books-intl-de&ie=UTF8&qid=1468555297&sr=1-2&keywords=decomposition+book https://www.triumphpropertymanagement.com/

http://wp.stu.ca/forensicscience/forensic-science-

professional-assoications/ http://www.vifm.org/

http://www.monash.edu/ http://www.library.cmu.edu/about/publications/

news/3MT

Cameriere R, Ferrante L, Cingolani M. 2006. Age esti-

mation in children by measurement of open apices in

teeth. Int J Leg Med 120(1):49-52.

Our sincere thanks to all contributors of this third issue. Without your support and involvement this newsletter would not be possible.

We welcome comments/feedback and encourage students at all stages of research to consider contributing to future issues.

The 17th biennial meeting of the International Association of Crani-

ofacial Identification (IACI) will be hosted by the University of

Queensland‟s School of Biomedi-

cal Sciences and the Laboratory

for Human Craniofacial and Skel-

etal Identification. The meetings

will run from the 15th to 19th of

July 2017. Workshops will pro-

vide participants with hands on

experience in head dissection and

Gerasimov‟s authentic plastic faci-

al reconstruction methods (lead by

Herbert Ullrich, Medizinhistor-

isches Museum der Charite, Hum-

boldt-Universitat zu Berlin). More

details to follow at http://

www.iaci2017.com.au/.

2017

International Association of Craniofacial

Identification

(Image courtesy of C. Stephan)

https://www.triumphpropertymanagement.com/

http://wp.stu.ca/forensicscience/forensic-science-professional-assoications/

http://wp.stu.ca/forensicscience/forensic-science-professional-assoications/

http://www.iaci2017.com.au/

http://www.iaci2017.com.au/

student newsletter - vifm · human body decomposition has re-cently been released in its first...

Documents