Issue 3 January — June 2016

Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology

Student Newsletter Communications in Australia & New Zealand

News & Updates News & Updates

Osteological Training in Cambodia Thesis Research By Jacqueline Noble Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Science, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia ([email protected]) Publications In February 2016, three members of the Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Sciences at the University of Western Australia (Assoc. Achievements Prof. Daniel Franklin, Miss Ambika Flavel and myself) travelled to Cambodia to assist Ameri- can PhD student Julie Fleishman in teaching and & Awards 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 Forthcoming of skeletal remains housed at Choeung Ek Geno- cide Centre. Our role was to assist Julie in teach- Conferences ing the Cambodian team methods of skeletal analysis including age and sex estimation. We spent two weeks in Cambodia, and during that Editors time we were able to explore Choeung Ek and witness first-hand the amazing work they are Ms Samantha Rowbotham doing there to catalogue, analyse and preserve all of the evidence of the Khmer Rouge Geno- PhD Candidate, Monash University cide. We wish Julie good luck as she continues

to collect and analyse data for her PhD, and Dr Soren Blau want to thank Julie and Vuthy Voeun for invit- Forensic Anthropologist, Victorian Picture: The Cambodian team with Julie ing us to Cambodia. and Ambika in front of the stupa at Institute of Forensic Medicine Choeung Ek Genocide Centre Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

‘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.

Human Body Decomposition has re- opment of decomposition research and used historically and currently to esti- cently been released in its first edition recording. mate time since death. and aims to provide researchers with a Ambitiously, the book aims to Human Body Decomposition is chronological overview of the re- address these topics in just over 160 available in paperback from various search to date on methods of estimat- pages. This is achieved by concisely online stores (approximately $70) or ing time since death. Written by Dr reviewing and critiquing 200 years of as an electronic book via Elsevier pub- Jarvis Hayman (FRCS (ed), FRACS, literature, from past to present, in or- lishing for $30US. Further details can MA (Hons), PhD) and Dr Marc Oxen- der to demonstrate the progression of be found here http:// ham (PhD, FSA), both of the School approaches, and concluding with a store.elsevier.com/Human-Body- of Archaeology and Anthropology at summary of the major issues and suc- Decomposition/Jarvis-Hayman/isbn- the Australian National University, the cinct recommendations for the appli- 9780128037133/. book draws on Hayman‟s extensive cation, or avoidance, of the various medical experience combined with his methods available for estimating time recent archaeological research, and since death. Hayman‟s expert medical Oxenham‟s vast knowledge and work knowledge is clear, yet the book is in archaeology, palaeopathology and written in such a way that forensic bioarchaeology. anthropologists and archaeologists The book is comprised of five will have no difficulty understanding chapters. Four of which cover the the themes discussed, regardless of stages of human decomposition, their medical background or lack 1. the phase immediately after thereof. death (rigor mortis and livor Human Body Decomposition mortis); provides researchers in forensic an- 2. the phase when the body cools thropology and archaeology with a (algor mortis); practical overview of the research to 3. the biochemical reactions and date on time since death estimates for chemical substances produced the various stages of decomposition. It during decomposition, and is a well written and easily accessible 4. the period from onset of putre- text, and will be most useful in in- faction until skeletonisation. forming literature reviews for research The fifth chapter provides a detailed in the field, as well as providing a yet concise overview of recent re- quick reference for identifying key search and current trends in the devel- concerns associated with the methods

HuCS-ID Lab Update Human Osteology & By Jodi Caple Paleopathology Reading Group HuCS-ID, School of Biomedical Sciences, Uni- versity of Queensland ([email protected]) By Georgia Roberts The School of Biomedical Sciences Skeletal Latrobe University [email protected]) Collection, within the Human Craniofacial and Skeletal Identification (HuCS-ID) Lab at Expressions of interest are sought from people who would be the University of Queensland, is progressing interested in joining a monthly reading group focused on smoothly. After one year of operations we human osteology and palaeopathology. th have now commenced processing the 13 We would meet once a month in Mel- individual. 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]).

(Image courtesy of C.Stephan) Communications in Australia & New Zealand

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])

After 10 years of service in the Malaysi- ticular disaster management case of a crashed revealed two wings of the air- an Ministry of Health, I recently decided capsized-boat, I was appointed the Pub- craft as well as the engines and tail. Soil to pursue my doctoral degree in Austral- lic Relation Officer and was responsible was sieved for bones, aircraft parts and ia. During my time with the Ministry of for the collection of ante-mortem data. personal belongings. I was there for four Health I worked in the mortuary of the This role involved interviewing any eye days and mainly carried out the sieve Sultanah Aminah hospital, Johor Bahru. screening process. The mortuary was secluded from the rest “The highlight of my ca- Forensic anthropology is a very of the hospital, far away from other fascinating subject to me. On average, buildings, and our department was the reer would be when I our mortuary received around three an- state referral centre for forensic medi- was a part of the archae- thropological cases per year. Our col- cine. Within our department we had two leagues at the east-coast of the Peninsu- forensic pathologists, three medical doc- ological excavation team lar, Malaysia, definitely received many tors, three forensic science officers, four recovering the WWII more cases; perhaps due to the geo- medical assistants, and five mortuary graphical location where they are bor- attendants. United States Army dered by the South China Sea. When our The mortuary work environment Forces’ Douglas C-47B team did collect skeletal remains at the was quite challenging. Not only was it scene or received them from the investi- difficult to find room to work in (I didn‟t aircraft .” gating police officer, our main objective have a proper workstation but rather a was to develop a biological profile (age, small change-room converted into a witnesses of the event and interviewing sex, ancestry and stature), identify any clean working area that happened to be relatives of the deceased to establish skeletal pathologies (if present), and just next to the post-mortem room and physical descriptions of the victims that comment on the cause of death (if possi- opposite the two-tier body freezers) but would assist with the identification pro- ble). When developing the biological also working in a forensic medicine cess. profile we referred to the skeletal meth- team in Malaysia means I am a part of a My experiences in forensic an- ods developed from western populations male-dominated discipline and that thropology specifically have included simply because we do not have any pop- brought its own unique challenges. the preparation of human skeletal re- ulation-specific standards for Malaysian Despite the challenging work mains for post-mortem examinations individuals. My work made me see that environment, I enjoyed the work. My and being involved in the exhumation the lack of population specific standards job included executing the technical process of illegal burials to assist with is a gap that needs to be filled. Since I aspects of documentation and specimen the relocation of graves. The highlight love doing research and pursuing a PhD handling during post-mortem examina- of my career would be when I was a part seemed to be the next best thing for me, tions. This comprised: ensuring the of the archaeological excavation team I will be working on formulating and proper container, preservative and labels recovering the WWII United States Ar- validating Malaysian standards for fo- were used for the specimens; organising my Forces‟ Douglas C-47B aircraft Da- rensic age estimations for my doctorate. specific forms for specific laboratory kota (43-16261) crash at Mount Bubu, tests, and arranging any special tests Beruas, Perak in 2015. The mission in- requested by the medical officer or volved more than pathologist. In my later years there, this 110 members includ- role was extended to the management of ing the United States forensic histopathological cases, which Defense POW/MIA we received from other government dis- Accounting Agency, trict hospitals. In addition to these tasks, the Army Museum, our team was also responsible for crime the Army and Air scene visits as requested by the investi- Force Headquarters, gating police officer; one of which in- the Perak Forestry cluded inside a sewer treatment plant. Department, the Na- These crime scene visits were usually in tional Institute of cases where the investigators were un- Forensic Medicine, certain if the manner of death was a and the Centre for homicide or a sudden death. My task Global Archaeologi- during a crime scene visit was to docu- cal Research, Uni- ment and sketch the scene thoroughly so versity Sains Malay- that a reconstruction of the events that sia. Inspections of led to the individual‟s death could be the search area provided in the report. During one par- where the plane had Salina is second from the left (photo courtesy of S.Hisham) Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

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

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

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? (photo courtesy of D. Donlon) 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. Communications in Australia & New Zealand New ‘Master of Forensic Anthropology’ Degree at UWA in 2017

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

(Image courtesy of D. Franklin) Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

Welcome! New Academics at VIFM and ANU

Dr Catherine Merritt Associate Appointee, Human Identification Services Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

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. I am a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of compared to obese individuals because of the lower bone Canada (SSHRC) Postdoctoral Fellow, and I will be collect- remodelling rates associated with lean muscle mass. Con- ing data for my project at the Victorian Institute of Forensic versely, obese individuals who are moderately active are Medicine (VIFM) in the Human Identification Centre for over-aged compared to underweight individuals because of three months (July to September 2016). My research focus- the higher bone remodelling rates associated with fat mass. es on the ways body size, in particular obesity, affects skele- The mechanical stress of physical activity is increased on tal aging. Supported by a SSHRC Doctoral fellowship, I obese individuals, resulting in higher rates of bone remodel- obtained my PhD from the University of Toronto in 2014 ling, increased osteophytic under the supervision of Susan Pfeiffer for my project titled activity, and more degenera- “The influence of body size on adult skeletal age estimation tion of the joint. By estimat- methods”, which was the first study to demonstrate how ing skeletal age on CT scans body size influences skeletal age estimates. Analysing 814 in relation to muscle and fat skeletons, I was able to show that underweight individuals tissue measurements and are under-aged on average by 5 to 8 years compared to aver- bone mineral density age and obese individuals, while obese individuals are over- (BMD), I hope to establish a aged by 3 to 10 years compared to average and underweight body size indicator chart that individuals. will help researchers revise My postdoctoral research builds on these findings by their analyses of skeletal fea- using the post-mortem computed tomography scans at the tures in contexts where an VIFM to measure fat and muscle tissues in relation to skele- individual‟s body mass is tal aging. The differential impact of muscle versus fat tissue known or may be inferred loading on bone may explain the patterns of skeletal aging through bi-iliac breadth and/ observed in my previous work. My hypothesis is that under- or femoral head diameter. weight individuals who are physically active are under-aged (Photo courtesy of C.Merritt)

Dr Justyna Miszkiewicz Lecturer in Biological Anthropology Australian National University I‟m a biological anthropologist who has studied human and lowing undergraduate and postgraduate courses: Ancient non-human animal skeletal tissues for 7 years. I received my Health and Disease, Human Skeletal Analysis, Forensic Ar- PhD in Biological Anthropology (with a skeletal biology and chaeology and Anthropology. bioarchaeology focus) from the University of Kent As part of my non-academic journey I worked (2008 - (Canterbury, UK) in 2014, 2013) as an Assistant Osteologist and later Osteologist for a where I also held a short professional Kent Osteologi- lectureship in the same dis- cal Research and Analysis cipline (2013-2014). I was (Canterbury, UK) centre, examining human remains from later (2015) a member of the British forensic and archaeological contexts. Molecular Endocrinology My primary research aims are to reconstruct and fur- research group in the De- ther our understanding of ancient human bone metabolism, partment of Medicine at Im- microstructural variation, and behavioural/ biomechanical perial College (London, adaptation. My main research specialism lies in histology, UK) assisting with skeletal but I also have experience in experimental biomechanics and phenotyping of knockout micro-CT. mice as part of a Wellcome- I‟ve really enjoyed my first few months at ANU (and Trust funded project on os- Australia!), and hope I get to meet some of you soon. Please teoporosis. I joined ANU in do get in touch ([email protected]) if you January 2016 as a Lecturer are a researcher seeking collaboration, a student interested in

(Photo courtesy of J. Miszkiewicz) in Biological Anthropology undertaking a research project or studying in our vibrant and mainly teach on the fol- School.

Communications in Australia & New Zealand American Academy of Forensic Science Meeting

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.

Thesis Research

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- Hill (1978), the dominance of certain bones in this faunal as- searched to date as most experiments have had the influence of semblage should be the first to disarticulate in this research ex- predatory fauna. One study conducted in 1978 by Andrew Hill periment. however, did find a link between the way bones come apart This study is the naturally and the way an animal is butchered by hunters. To first of its kind in Aus- investigate how the skeleton naturally disarticulates, this re- tralia. Results obtained search involves collecting macropod and wombat carcasses will investigate the dif- (acquired following ferences between human death by car inci- butchery practices of a dents), which are carcass and the transpor- then secured in cag- tation of a carcass by es to observe and different taxa. These find- (Photo courtesy of K. Crabtree) record how the ings will be useful in future site interpretations of what is hu- bones naturally dis- man, non-human and natural vectors of bone assemblage accu- articulate. mulation. The data collected from this project will begin to aug- (Photos courtesy of K. Crabtree) The species of ani- ment the limited knowledge currently available for Australian mals chosen for analysis was based on the faunal assemblage taphonomic studies and will contribute to future interpretations from Kutikina Cave, Tasmania. Macropods and wombats were in archaeological and, to a degree, palaeoecological, contexts. the two major prey species and if following the hypothesis of Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

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

The objective of this research is to investigate the decomposi- around the remains where decomposition fluid has leached tion rate and disarticulation sequence of soft tissue and bone into the soil) and insects will also be recorded. Microbial at cold temperatures to determine the effect such tempera- swabs will be col- tures have on Post Mortem Interval (PMI) estimations. In lected to detect particular, this project is investigating how freezing and re- changes that may frigeration affects the rate of decomposition of remains and be occurring to the whether or not it is possible to determine macroscopically microbiome of the (visual observation of the decomposition process) if a body remains during the has undergone cold treatment at the time of death. Changes in decomposition the microbiome of the remains as a result of varying tempera- process, data log- ture treatments will also be analysed. gers will be used Research conducted will use Sus Scrofa (domestic to collect internal pig) carcasses as an analogue for human remains. The car- temperatures and casses will be laid out on a soil surface to decompose natural- local ambient tem- (Photo courtesy of S. Baker) ly in a bushland environment throughout the summer and peratures, and humidity and rainfall data will also be collect- winter of 2017. The decomposition rate, disarticulation se- ed. Internationally developed PMI estimation methods will be quence and soft tissue changes will be recorded and com- applied and tested to determine their „universal‟ claims and pared to a control (pig carcass which has undergone no tem- also to investigate their ability to accurately determine the perature treatment). Changes to the immediate environment PMI of cold treated remains. such as the presence or absence of cadaver islands (the area

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- vidual. Data collection will comprise establishing a biological proximately 125 human skeletons, ranging from complete profile (sex, age, ancestry and stature) for each individual us- articulating skeletons to isolated skulls. The individuals were ing morphoscopic and morphometric osteological techniques, purchased as teaching and medical specimens prior to 1990 and detailing other unique osteological indicators of skeletal and anecdotal evidence suggests that they originated from health using radiography techniques. India. Documentation of the skeletal collection is limited to a Results of this research will allow for validation of basic inventory of the skeletal elements present; there are no the anecdotal history of the collection and provide a picture of records detailing the biological profile (age, sex, ancestry, the lives of these individuals. Through understanding the de- stature) of these individuals or their provenance. mographics of the collection and identifying osteological bi- The intention of my research is to improve our under- ases within the collection, this research will improve future standing of the demographic profile of this skeletal collection teaching and training with the collection and open up possibil- by establishing osteobiographies (life histories) for each indi- ities for further research. Communications in Australia & New Zealand

Name: Amanda Barville Affiliation: Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Sciences, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia 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 In Australia there is a high demand for research developing permanent dentition. A sample of orthopantomograms (OPGs) population specific age estimation standards for use in forensic and multi-slice computed tomographic (MSCT) scans of con- casework. Currently, however, there are no documented gross temporary Western Australian sub-adults will be used to visu- skeletal collections available in Australia from which to devel- alise and assess the development of the first seven permanent op population specific standards. As an alternative to these teeth on the left side of the mandible. Using the Cameriere et large gross skeletal collections, it has been shown that meas- al. (2006) method (a method that has been validated in several urements taken from multi- populations but has never been previously applied to a large slice computed tomographic Australian sample), the ratio of tooth root to tooth height for (MSCT) scans of contempo- each of the seven left mandibular teeth will be calculated. Sta- rary individuals can be suc- tistical data for the quantification of apical closure of Western cessfully used to develop Australian sub-adults in relation to chronological age will be standards specific to contem- formulated using linear regression analysis. porary Australians. Results of this research are anticipated to be two fold. This research project Firstly, this project will investigate whether the accuracy of the involves establishing an age Cameriere et al. (2006) method is significantly different when estimation method specific to measurements of the open apices are acquired from MSCT contemporary Western Aus- scans instead of from OPG scans. Secondly, this research pro- tralian sub-adult individuals ject will facilitate the development of an age estimation meth- (<18 years of age) based on od specific to Western Australian sub-adults that can be uti- the measurement of the open lised in forensic case work. root apices of the developing (Cameriere et al. 2006)

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 Stature is one of the four key morphological characteristics ancestry in an Australian sample. The latter models (devoid of used when reconstructing a deceased individual‟s biological heritage or ancestry) were profile. Therefore, establishing stature is of importance to fo- produced to perceive any rensic anthropologists in a variety of situations, particularly in differences between mod- mass casualty scenarios, where multiple individuals are in- els due to factors such as volved that need to be identified. As the current methods for genetic or environmental establishing stature in modern, culturally diverse populations heritability, as both factors are extremely limited, this thesis research sought to create stat- play significant roles in the ure prediction equations for culturally diverse populations that growth of long bones in a could be successfully employed in Australia. given population. There- An Australian female specific population comprising of fore the primary researcher 53 respondents was used to create equations with known herit- wanted to illustrate wheth- (Photo courtesy of A.Bridge) age/ancestry. An additional 7 individuals were added to account er measuring individuals for equations devoid of heritage/ancestry, culminating in a total with unknown heritage/ancestry would alter the accuracy of the of 60 respondents. For each individual, anthropometric meas- equations produced when including heritage/ancestry. All mod- urements for the ulnae, radii, and tibiae were taken using palpa- els fitted the recorded data within a moderate to strong range (r2 ble landmarks, and total stature was recorded using a stadiome- = 0.337 - 0.615), across all variables. ter (Charder HM200P Portable Height Rod). From the accrued The results of this modeling have produced new stature measurements, a total of 28 statistically significant models pre- prediction equations that will provide crucial foundational in- dicting stature from long bone lengths were produced using formation on stature estimations within Australia. Additional both simple and multiple linear regression statistical modeling. testing on another Australian sample will validate this study. These models address both known and unknown heritage/ Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

Name: Magdalena Blaszkowska Affiliation: Centre for Forensic Anatomy and Biological Sciences, School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia 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 sternal rib end phase aging method using MDCT technology. „virtual‟ anthropology, such as multi detector computed to- The intention of this research is to test the accuracy mography (MDCT), has been well established as an accurate of the Iscan et al. method in a Western Australian population, medium to assess the age estimation of skeletal elements. and determine if the pattern of age related change in the mor- There are a variety of age estimation methods but one of the phology of the fourth right sternal rib end follows the pattern most commonly used methods to estimate the age of adult established by Iscan et al. Furthermore, the sternal ends of ribs skeletal remains in the Iscan et al. (1984, 1985) method which three, five and six on both the right and left ribs will be as- establishes age ranges based on the morphology of the sternal sessed for the applicability of the method to ribs other than the end of the fourth left rib. This research project concerns the fourth, and the existence of any bilateral differences that may transposition of traditional methods of morphoscopic skeletal influence age estimation. analysis to a virtual platform for the purposes of estimating Results of this study are anticipated to generate com- age using the sternal rib ends in a Western Australian popula- prehensive population specific data for the estimation of age tion. This study is, to the best of the author‟s knowledge, the in adults for use in forensic contexts, and subsequently fortify first attempt to validate the use of the Iscan et al. (1984, 1985) forensic practice in Australia in general.

DOCTORATES

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 When the identity of skeletal human remains is unknown, a Malaysian population specific standards for age estimation. biological profile needs to be developed to assist with narrow- The Malaysian population comprises three main eth- ing the search of the missing persons database. This biological nic groups: Malay, Chinese and Indian. Osteological data for profile includes an estimation of the individual‟s age, sex, an- this study will be acquired from computed tomographic (CT) cestry and stature. In estimating these biological indicators of scans of Malaysian individuals who presented to government identity, traditional skeletal hospitals as patients and/or de- reference standards, devel- ceased individuals referred to fo- oped from large documented rensic morgues. The sample of human skeletal collections individuals will be representative around the world, are general- of the three major ethnic groups, ly utilised. However, it has will comprise both males and fe- been empirically demonstrat- males, and will range in age from ed that these standards are 16 to 90 years old. The CT scans only specific to the population will be anonymised upon receipt, that they were developed with only sex, age and ancestry from. data retained. The scans will be Population specific (Photo courtesy of S. Hisham) reconstructed and morphological forensic standards are currently not available for Malaysia. observations and measurements of selected skeletal landmarks This problem is due to the lack of available documented hu- will then be documented. Malaysian age standards will be sta- man skeletal collections specific to the Malaysian population tistically formulated following established forensic methods. from which anthropologists can develop biological profile It is expect this research will contribute much needed standards. Therefore, this PhD research will begin establishing standards for Malaysian forensic practitioners. Communications in Australia & New Zealand Publications

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. Achievements & Awards

Congratulations to Emma Sievwright on the re- cent submission of her Honours thesis “Do crani- Congratulations to Samantha Rowbotham who ometrics correlate with facial soft tissue thick- was awarded second place in the 2016 Three Mi- nesses in a living adult Australian sample?” from nute Thesis competition at the School of Public the University of Queensland. Also a particular Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash Uni- congratulations to Emma as she was awarded the versity. Samantha was also recently a recipient best mid-year Honours thesis presentation in the of the Australi- University of Queensland‟s School of Biomedical an Postgraduate Sciences. Award.

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”. Forensic Anthropology & Archaeology Student Newsletter

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/.

2016 Australasian Society for Human Biology

This year the 30th ASHB conference will be hosted by ganization is very welcoming and supportive of stu- the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. dents. The ASHB conference is always a great oppor- The 2016 conference will run from the 5th to the 9th of tunity to network with other students and researchers December (with welcome drinks on the 4th). The con- and become involved in the disci- ference welcomes oral and poster presentations from pline. Membership is only a $15 all areas of human biology research (including foren- fee per annum and details can be sic anthropology and archaeology). Student presenters found on the homepage at: http:// are welcomed and very much encouraged! Abstracts school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/ are currently being called for (due date for abstract memberships.html. 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- Contact: For any enquires please contact 2017 [email protected] International Association of Craniofacial Identification

The 17th biennial meeting of the International Association of Crani- ofacial Identification (IACI) will be hosted by the University of Image Disclaimer Queensland‟s School of Biomedi- cal Sciences and the Laboratory All photographs and images used in this publication are either the proper- for Human Craniofacial and Skel- ty of the editors, have been provided by the etal Identification. The meetings contributors, or are referenced below. will run from the 15th to 19th of http://www.med.monash.edu.au/sphpm/dofm.html July 2017. Workshops will pro- https://svpow.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/vi_c_322.jpg vide participants with hands on http://www.yourdictionary.com// images/3489.16.caliper.jpg experience in head dissection and http://www.vanishingtattoo.com/tds/images/caduceus/ caduceus_large/caduceus_009.jpg Gerasimov‟s authentic plastic faci- https://nicollelamerichs.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/ stack460.jpg al reconstruction methods (lead by http://www.michelherbelin.co.nz/stockists/search Herbert Ullrich, Medizinhistor- http://www.conference.co.nz/anzfss16 http://school.anhb.uwa.edu.au/ashb/index.html isches Museum der Charite, Hum- http://bhs.beniciaunified.org/parents-students/graduation- information boldt-Universitat zu Berlin). More https://www.flickr.com/photos/sirwiseowl/371172885 details to follow at http:// http://studyabroad.arcadia.edu/find-a-program/ programs-by-country/new-zealand/university-of-otago/ www.iaci2017.com.au/. https://www.amazon.de/Human-Body-Decomposition- (Image courtesy of C. Stephan) 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.