Book highlights new developments in forensic anthropology

'A Companion to Forensic Anthropology' features chapters by renowned experts

The new book, "A Companion to Forensic Anthropology," edited by Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat, chair of the Applied Forensic Sciences Department and the Master of Science program in Anthropology at Mercyhurst University, Erie, Pa., presents the most comprehensive assessment of the philosophy, goals, and practice of forensic anthropology today, with chapters by renowned international scholars and experts.

"This new book offers detailed recommendations for the recovery of human remains and a current look at new developments in forensic anthropology, including key international perspectives," commented Doug Ubelaker of the Smithsonian Institution.

The book highlights the forensic recovery of human remains, skeletal trauma analysis, mass disaster scene recovery and mass grave excavation, DNA analysis, forensic statistical methods, human rights forensics work around the world, among other issues.

It begins with an overview chapter, "Forensic Anthropology: Embracing the New Paradign," by Dirkmaat and Louis Cabo, director of Mercyhurst's Forensic and Bioarchaeology Laboratory, and follows with a section on Dirkmaat's signature expertise, that of the recovery of human remains from outdoor contexts. Dirkmaat also authors a chapter on mass disaster scenes, which focuses on the 2009 Continental (Colgan Air) crash near Buffalo, N.Y., where Dirkmaat's team of faculty and students led the recovery effort.

A chapter on statistical methods for estimating sex and ancestry is co-authored by Mercyhurst faculty Dr. Stephen Ousley, an expert in statistical approaches to biological anthropology, including the popular forensic software package, Fordisc. Co-author is Dr. Richard Jantz, professor emeritus of anthropology at the University of Tennessee, who developed Fordisc with Ousley.

The work of another of Mercyhurst's international experts, Dr. Steven Symes, who specializes in bone trauma, is featured in a chapter on interpreting traumatic skeletal injury in medicolegal investigations. Co-authors include former Mercyhurst research fellow and adjunct faculty Erin Chapman and graduate Ivana Wolff, a member of the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team; and Dr. Ericka L'Abb- of the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

The expertise of Dr. James Adovasio, director of the Mercyhurst Archaeological Institute, is featured in a chapter on mass graves and using spatial analysis in resolving commingling issues.