Skeletal Analysis

The Department of Applied Forensic Sciences at Mercyhurst College offers preliminary evaluation of skeletal remains through photograph emails directly to Dr. Dennis Dirkmaat. If the remains are determined to be human, the department can conduct a recovery of the remains bringing them back to Mercyhurst for futher laboratory analysis.

Comprehensive laboratory analysis of skeletal remains completed by the department includes identification and inventory of all osseous material recovered, estimation of a biological profile (chronological age, sex, stature, and ancestry), analysis of pathologies present, and analysis of trauma and taphonomy. The Department also offers their services in the analysis of heat altered and cremated remains (including fatal fire victims).