Telling stories about fossils with forensics

By: John(na) Jackson

The University of Cincinnati’s Department of Anthropology hosted a guest lecturer this month known worldwide for his research and advances in the fields of forensic anthropology and archaeology.

James Pokines, an assistant professor in the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at Boston University, joined 50 students and faculty to share updates on his recent research in Malapa, South Africa.

Pokines also works as the forensic anthropologist for Massachusetts' Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Pokines’ work in the ME's office calls to mind many popular true-crime genre television programs.

Working alongside Kathleen Crowley, a forensic odontologist, Pokines made headlines this year when the two positively identified the remains of a Massachusetts woman who had been missing for almost a year. He and Crowley were able to identify the body through her dental records.

Outside of the ME's office, Pokines’ research work is largely focused on taphonomy – the study of how bones record events between death and the process of fossilization. Geology professor Joshua Miller in UC's McMicken College of Arts and Sciences said Pokines’ field of research is pushing toward new developments in the study of forensic anthropology.

“It is a wonderful opportunity to explore the next level of information from the fossil record,” Miller said.

In his lecture, Pokines detailed the research sites he and his team are exploring in Jordan. They investigate the depths of faunal traps – naturally formed holes where animals have fallen in and cannot get out. He took the expertise he gained from studying the fallen animals in these traps and applied it to the human bones he investigated in Malapa.

Pokines describes his work as “telling stories about fossils with forensics.” In the case of the remains found in Malapa, Pokines says he treated the fossils as if they were a crime scene – combining his proficiency in the ME's office with his work in the field of archaeology.

Students are able to involve themselves in the world of Pokines’ research through UC's College of Arts and Sciences. For the true-crime fan looking to go full-time, taphonomy and other components of forensic anthropology are available to study through the archaeology and paleontology programs. The lecture was part of an ongoing colloquium lecture series hosted by the department of geology. The lectures begin at 3:30 p.m. on Fridays in Braunstein 300, with refreshments available afterward in room 513 (the Rug Room) of the Geology-Physics building.