Identifying human remains is one of the most important aspects of forensics. Different aspects of forensic science can be combined to accomplish this goal, such as forensic anthropology and biology. Forensic anthropology uses skeletal analysis to determine an identity, while forensic biology utilizes DNA profiling. Combining the two techniques can lead to a potential identification. In this experiment forensic anthropological approaches were used to determine sex, age, and stature to determine the potential identity of an incomplete anatomical skeleton. The sex of the skeletal remains was determined by the narrow subpubic angle. Stature was found measuring the femurs to plug into the stature identification formula. Age was determined by the complete closures of the epiphyseal growth plates. Due to the absence of a skull, race could not be determined. The anthropological analysis led to the partial identification of a male, over the age of 30 years old, who was between 5’2’’ and 5’5’’. Forensic biology methods were used to collect DNA from the femurs. DNA was extracted by shaving down the bone with sandpaper to collect bone shavings. The sample then went through the standard DNA protocol of extraction, quantification, amplification, and genetic analyzation.
Abby is a graduating senior majoring in forensic science and minoring in anthropology and biology. She is from Winnebago, IL. She will continue her education at George Washington University mastering in forensic molecular biology.
Perla Mendiola (she/her) from Piedmont, Missouri, is a Forensic Science major and Psychology/Biology minor. She plans to join the death investigator field post graduation.