Through the Forensic Lens: Specimen 1

Can the Dead Speak?

Jun 09, 2025

Every bone is a silent recordkeeper.

Long after flesh decomposes and a person's voice falls silent, the human skeleton quietly holds onto the details of your life (a personal journal you didn’t know you were keeping): how someone moved, where they lived, what broke them, what made them sick, what healed, and sometimes - what ended their life.

In Through the Forensic Lens, I'll pull from the den specimens to explore the science, mystery, and humanity found where anthropology, anatomy, criminal justice, and deep curiosity meet. You don't need a lab coat (I've got mine) or a degree to read this blog - just a fascination for humanity and a desire to learn the truths left behind.

Bone Deep Expertise Behind the Lens

I’ve always been a lifelong learner—the kind of person who can’t resist diving down a research rabbit hole or picking up “just one more” book on a topic that sparks curiosity. While I’ve built a strong foundation in several fields (16 years as a student in higher education), I know there’s always more to explore, uncover, and question. The world is filled with mysteries just waiting to be uncovered, and no one person could ever learn them all. This blog isn’t just a space for me to share what I know, as fun as that is, it’s a place where we can learn together. I want to be a sharer of knowledge and find like-minded individuals who love to learn. Whether I’m offering insights from experience or stumbling into something new, I hope you'll join me on the trail of discovery.

Anatomy

Did you know that anatomy is a study within a study within a study? Biology is the study of (-ology) living organisms (bio-). Within this large umbrella of study is morphology, the study of (-ology) form and structure (morph-) of animals and plants. One of the branches of morphological study is anatomy, the study that deals with the structure of organisms. Anatomy can apply to any living organism, including plants, animals, and humans.

For this blog series, we will mostly look at anatomy as the scientific study of the human body’s structure—everything from bones and muscles to organs and tissues. It helps us understand how our bodies are built and how they function in health and disease. It is crazy how every aspect of our body is designed to help us live. Just the number of systems that have to work together for us to take one step forward is mind-boggling.

In forensic work, anatomy is critical for identifying injuries, recognizing patterns of trauma, and distinguishing normal from abnormal in skeletal remains. A strong foundation in anatomy also allows forensic professionals to communicate more effectively with pathologists, law enforcement, and legal personnel about what physical evidence can reveal.

With a master’s degree in Anatomy and Advanced Forensic Anthropology, I bring a detailed, clinical understanding of the human body to my readers. This knowledge allows me to interpret skeletal and soft tissue findings with scientific precision, transforming the body into a storybook of physical experience. Whether it’s a fractured rib or an unusual curvature in the spine, anatomy provides the tools to decode the silent testimony left behind.

Forensic Anthropology

Once again, a branch of study I have learned about is nested beneath other fields of study. At the root is anthropology, the study of (-ology) humans (anthrop-). A truly fascinating field of study. Anything and everything related to humans is studied in anthropology. There are multiple branches of the study to help focus research and let practitioners specialize. The branches are linguistic (language study), cultural (social structures), archaeology (material past), and physical (the human body), which has been retitled biological. Then there is another term that can be added to each field of study, forensic.

Forensic anthropology is a specialized field that applies the methods of physical anthropology to analyze human remains in a legal context. Forensic anthropologists are trained to determine the age, sex, ancestry, and stature of skeletal remains and to identify signs of trauma, disease, or postmortem change. This expertise is especially important in cases involving decomposition, fire, or situations where traditional identification methods like fingerprints or facial recognition are no longer possible.

I will never forget the first time I learned about forensic anthropology. I was taking a course during my first stint in college. The course covered a required general education slot and sounded interesting. I had never really heard about forensic anthropology before. I have never been a big TV show watcher and had never watched the show Bones before; it had only been on the air for a few years when I took my class. I was fascinated by the topic. A way to help victims of violent crime speak from beyond the grave and a way to reunite family members with their lost or missing loved one. I took an osteology (the study of bones) course the next term. On the first day, parts of the university’s skeletal collection were laid out on the tables. In front of me was an amazing “specimen” of a human skull. Specifically, a male Aboriginal from Australia. We were allowed to pick up the bones before us, so that we could familiarize ourselves with the weight and texture. The moment I held my first silent teacher, I knew this was something I wanted to study, to build a career around. I wanted to become a translator for the dead.

Later, my master’s degree focused specifically on advanced forensic anthropology, providing me with hands-on training in skeletal analysis, taphonomy (the wear and tear of the environment on remains), and trauma interpretation. I will share real-world insights into how bones can answer questions that no one else can. From archaeological digs to modern-day crime scenes, forensic anthropology bridges the gap between the past and present, turning silence into science.

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is the system responsible for enforcing laws, prosecuting offenders, and ensuring fair trials and punishments. It includes law enforcement, courts, and corrections—all working together to uphold public safety and legal integrity. Studying criminal justice involves understanding how these systems operate, how laws are applied, and how justice is pursued within a community.

With a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a concentration in Crime Analysis, I’ve studied not only the structure of the justice system but also how to interpret crime data and support investigations with actionable intelligence. I connect the dots between science and justice, showing how forensic findings contribute to legal outcomes and public understanding. My background ensures that I see the broader picture while staying rooted in factual, scientific evidence.

Crime Analysis

Crime analysis is a discipline that uses data to identify trends, patterns, and hotspots in criminal activity. Analysts work with maps, statistics, and behavioral data to support law enforcement strategies, anticipate criminal behavior, and improve public safety. By understanding where and when crimes occur—and under what conditions—analysts help agencies allocate resources more effectively.

With a background in crime analysis and a minor in geography focused on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), I specialize in making sense of the “where” behind the crime. I can integrate spatial analysis with forensic science, offering a unique perspective on how place and pattern inform investigations. Whether it’s mapping the spread of serial offenses or identifying environmental factors in accidental deaths, crime analysis brings a critical dimension to solving mysteries.

Forensics

Forensics refers to the application of scientific principles to legal matters. This can include everything from DNA analysis and toxicology reports to digital forensics and trace evidence. At its heart, forensics is about using objective, reproducible science to uncover the truth. Whether it’s identifying the source of a bloodstain or analyzing cellphone records, forensic methods help investigators build credible cases in court.

I hold a career diploma in forensic science and medical terminology, and I’ve taken specialized training to serve as a Medicolegal Death Investigator. This experience, combined with my academic background, allows me to interpret complex forensic evidence and present it in a way that’s both scientifically accurate and legally meaningful. I will use this knowledge to demystify forensic processes and help readers understand what the evidence is really saying.

Specimens Awaiting Analysis

Before the work begins in earnest, every good analyst examines what’s been brought in for review. In Through the Forensic Lens, the upcoming entries will each be treated like specimens—collected with care, prepared for analysis, and observed with attention to detail. From skeletal clues and anatomical insights to mapping patterns in criminal behavior and exploring real-world forensic processes, this blog will examine it all. What you’ll find laid out on the tray is a diverse collection of questions, curiosities, and cold facts—each one ready to be dissected, decoded, and discussed.

On the Examination Tray:

Real-life forensic principles explained clearly (no crime show exaggeration, though I might compare).
Deep dives into how we read bones, burials, disease, and trauma
Connections between history, archaeology, and cultural identity
Fun and random anatomy facts to help you understand how your body works and why it works that way.
Case studies, questions, and reflections on the line between science and story (truth really can be stranger than fiction).

Bones don't speak - but their language can be understood.

Specimen Notes & Den Tracks

Well, that wraps up our first specimen—examined, tagged, and safely stored in the growing archive. If you made it all the way here, thank you. Truly. It means the world (or at least a well-labeled skeleton) to know you spent your time peering through the lens with me.

If this post sparked a thought, raised a brow, or reminded you of that one CSI episode you still argue with, I’d love to hear about it. Drop your comments below—your observations are always welcome in the den.