Mitzi Dunkley / Hugh E. Berryman

mitzi.dunkley@mtsu.edu

Brandon Wallace

Sociology / Anthropology

Discipline specific equipment

WPS 104

N/A

N/A

The Forensic Institute for Research and Education (FIRE) recently opened a forensic anthropology lab for student research and training in the renovated Wiser-Patten Science building. Students majoring in anthropology, forensic science, criminal justice, biology, psychology, and chemistry benefit from the training opportunities this laboratory space affords. With the addition of a minor in forensic anthropology in 2015 (ca. 30 students/year), there is a growing need to support student training in the most innovative technologies of this interdisciplinary field. The proposed laboratory equipment will allow instructional opportunities and community partnerships in forensic research endeavors. Currently, the laboratory is used in the following EXL designated courses: Forensic Sciences (ANTH 3660), Forensic Anthropology (ANTH 3650), Forensic Skeletal Search and Recovery (ANTH 3710), and a forthcoming fragmentary osteology course (ca. 25 students/semester). The academic quality of these courses will be enhanced through the experiential learning these technologies provide. In addition to courses, the laboratory is available to students conducting independent research and those working on student-centered projects such as URECA grants and Honors College theses (ca. 10 students/year). The Forensic Anthropology Search and Recovery (FASR) Team (ca. 15 students/year) also utilizes the space when assisting law enforcement and the medical examiner’s office with forensic casework. FIRE receives an average of 10 requests per year for K-12 outreach presentations related to forensic science (ca. 300 students/year) and hosts an annual summer camp for students in grades 9-12 (ca. 50 students/year). These activities expose potential students to MTSU’s campus and our state-of-the-art forensic science facilities.