Dr. K's Bioarcheology and Forensic Anthropology Page

11/10/2023

Wow, so two years later, and 100,000 views! I had no idea when I wrote this that it would take off like it did. I was invited to Philadelphia to play this s...

11/10/2023

We have another field school in 2024!

11/10/2023

Then there was the time my husband and I snagged some roadside kangaroo bones off an island on fire and brought them back to UI. "Why yes Ms customs agent those are Kangaroo bones."

11/10/2023

Sometimes you gotta toot your own horn

Kate Kolpan is a bioarchaeologist and forensic anthropologist for northern Idaho whose research includes a focus on warfare and the recovery, identification and commemoration of human remains. As an assistant professor, Kolpan has students work alongside law enforcement on active homicide investigat...

11/09/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PcT1vGyJzyg

This video features discussion of the kinds of tools used to excavate at the Cooper's Ferry site. Also, the effect of animal burrowing on archeological depo...

11/09/2023

Sam is a good friend and good people.

POCATELLO — It’s only fitting that the laboratory that houses the bones, teeth and skeletal remains of the cases that one local bioarcheologist has been tasked with forensically analyzing are

11/09/2023

I did my PhD research in Bosnia. The Bosniacs are lovely, kind people. A piece of my heart will always remain there.

Dragana Vucetic is working to put names to the final 1,000 bodies still awaiting identification.

11/09/2023

Posting this here for some of my students that hunt. Don't waste those feathers!

Mary Weahkee, an archaeologist for the State of New Mexico, was commissioned by the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture in Santa Fe to re-create the ancient cr...

11/09/2023

To become a practicing Forensic Anthropologist, you typically need a master's or doctorate degree, specializing in anthropology with a focus on biological, physical, or forensic anthropology. This educational journey spans six to ten years.

Here's a breakdown of the educational path:

Bachelor’s Degree (4 years): Pursue a degree in anthropology or biology with a human emphasis, including courses in biology, geology, physics, chemistry, statistics, anatomy, and osteology.

Master’s Degree (2-4 years): Most forensic anthropologists hold master’s degrees in anthropology, often with a focus on physical/biological anthropology. Seek programs offering exposure to forensic anthropology casework and consider those leading to ABFA certification.

Doctoral Degree (3-9 years): Highly competitive doctoral programs in physical/biological anthropology require coursework and a dissertation based on original research. Some programs accept students directly into a doctoral program without a master’s degree.

Certification: The American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA) offers the only certification in the U.S. It requires a Ph.D., practical case experience, and successful completion of a comprehensive exam. While not mandatory, ABFA certification is highly recommended.

Forensic Anthropologists should possess analytical skills, critical thinking abilities, and logical reasoning. Proficiency in mathematics, attention to detail, and a strong "3-D imagination" are essential. Good communication, computer skills, and the ability to write reports and conduct research are critical. Continuing education is necessary to stay current in the field. A holistic perspective fostering collaborative, interdisciplinary work is also vital. If you're up for the challenge and interested in solving real-world cases, this is a exciting and rewarding career path.

Forensic anthropology undergraduate degrees are rare and offered in relatively few universities. However, there are many schools that allow you to focus on forensics as part of a general anthropology major.

11/09/2023

If you're considering a career in archaeology, the possibilities are incredibly diverse. Archaeologists can be found in government agencies, museums, universities, and cultural resource management (CRM) firms. Many archaeologists, especially in CRM, focus on adhering to federal historic preservation laws, conducting exciting field and lab work, managing teams, and sharing their discoveries through publications and public outreach. Some work in government or museums, managing archaeological sites, collections, and educational programs. Travel requirements vary, offering a range of experiences from localized projects to more extensive fieldwork. To embark on this journey, you typically start with a 4-year college degree in anthropology or archaeology, with advanced degrees and field experience needed for professional roles. Essential skills include strong research, writing, and communication abilities, along with a solid foundation in math and science. If you're interested, exploring opportunities like university-sponsored field schools and gaining practical experience will be key to your success in this fascinating field. I also highly reccomend attending an SAA meeting.

Aimed at high school students, the Is the Past in Your Future? [PDF 1.1 MB] brochure from the SAA provides brief information about a career in archaeology.

11/09/2023

Jaymelee Kim, an assistant professor of biological anthropology at Wayne State University and a forensic anthropologist, specializes in death-related research projects and community engagement. Working in the Wayne County Medical Examiner’s Office, collaborating with the FBI, and conducting fieldwork in locations like Uganda, Kim focuses on identifying bodies from cold cases and aiding survivors of human rights violations. At Wayne State, she aims to involve students in using biology, culture, archaeology, and linguistics to address questions about forensic human rights, mass violence, social inequity, and the physical and mental effects of trauma on the body. Kim values the applied and practical focus of Wayne State's anthropology department, expressing excitement about attracting students interested in community outreach and applied work. Her work includes skeletal trauma analysis, identifying causes of death, and engaging in research projects overseas, notably in Uganda, where her team considers the cultural impact on communities before conducting forensic anthropological work on mass graves. Kim also actively participates in community outreach projects such as Operation UNITED, collaborating with the FBI and other agencies to identify bodies from cold cases, and envisions expanding her work with survivors of human trafficking in the Detroit area.

Jaymelee Kim, a Wayne State University assistant professor of biological anthropology and a forensic anthropologist, works on a variety of research projects and has broad community engagement.