Forensic anthropology is the practice of physical anthropology to the legal system process. It involves the identification of human skeletal. Forensic anthropology also involves determining the age, sex, and other distinct features of the deceased by examining their remains. Blood groups, DNA forensics, and fingerprints are all tools used in forensic anthropology.

Forensic anthropology started almost a century ago when a doctor made use of the study of examining bone remains to solve a puzzle. A Harvard University professor, Dr. Jefferies Wyman, started one of the first anthropology investigations one hundred and forty years ago. Dr. Wyman studied the remains of false teeth and bones found at a suspected murder scene and used them as a teaching tool in his classroom. After thoroughly studying the remains, he was able to determine who the remains belonged to from the overwhelming evidence, and the murder was solved.

A forensic anthropologist’s job involves identifying individuals or body parts that are deceased, damaged, or decayed. Forensic anthropologists are often called in when needed to work with law enforcement. They can offer their knowledge on trauma victims to law enforcement and testify in criminal court cases. They may be able to determine cause of death and experiment with facial reconstructions to help determine age, sex, and height of victims. Normally, forensic anthropologists work as part of a team with forensic dentists, forensic pathologists, and homicidal investigators.

General skills required to become a forensic anthropologist can start in high school by students taking courses in chemistry and physics. These classes will teach the students about the human body and scientific methods. While in high school, a student can take an admissions’ exam and apply for anthropology programs. The college requirements to become a forensic anthropologist are to have a bachelor’s degree in either Anatomy, Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, or Physiology, and a Graduate Degree, along with a doctorate in human biology or anthropology. A PhD with at least three years in the field in forensic anthropology is needed if you are working to become board certified in the field. Post graduate education is more beneficial to have and makes you look more appealing to possible employers.

Important and influential forensic anthropologists include Henry Lee who was born in China. He became a police captain in Taiwan at the age of 25. In 1972, Lee went to the United States to study forensics. He also earned a doctorate in biochemistry. Lee’s experiences include the JonBenet Ramsey, OJ Simpson, and Laci Peterson cases. He was also called in for his opinion about the murder of Deputy White House Counsel Vincent Foster. He is one of the most well-known legal experts today. Another well-known forensic anthropologist is Cyril Wecht. Wecht has been called in on many famous cases including the deaths of John F. Kennedy, Sharon Tate, and Anna Nichole Smith. He also has his own pathology practice.

A great resource for a forensic anthropologist is the American Board of Forensic Anthropology which was established in 1977. It is a non-profit organization that provides information about forensic science and certifications in forensic anthropology. Another resource for forensic anthropologists is the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. It is a society that honors the forensic anthropology field. It publishes the Journal of Forensic Sciences.

• Forensic Anthropology- Information on how forensic anthropology is used to identify humans.
• Forensic Anthropology- An overview in the history and secrets of bones.
• An Overview of Forensic Anthropology- Information on the development of forensic anthropology.
• A History of Smithsonian–FBICollaboration in ForensicAnthropology, Especiallyin Regard to Facial Imagery- Information on the history of forensic anthropology and forensic science with the FBI.
• The Skeletal System- Learn about the human skeletal system and the 206 bones it contains.
• Career Resources in the Forensic Sciences:An Annotated Bibliography- Information on a career in forensic anthropology.
• Online Degrees in Forensic Anthropology: Program Overviews- Learn about an online study for forensic anthropology.
• Advice about a Career in Forensic Science- Information and advice on a career in forensic anthropology.
• American Anthropology Association- A supportive association for forensic anthropologist and career information.
• A Career in Biological Anthropology – Career information for development committees and anthropologists.
• Tales Told by the Dead- A professor introduces his students to forensic anthropology by bringing bones into the classroom to study.
• Forensic Science Links- A guide of useful links about forensic anthropology.
• William R. Maples- Information on a very famous forensic anthropology and the inside details of his study.
• Sex and Gender – Information on how forensic anthropologists determine sex and gender on victims bodies.
• Science and Technology Resources on the InternetForensic Science Resources on the Internet- Informational resources about forensic anthropologists.
• American Academy of Forensic Sciences- A society dedicated to forensic anthropology.