We are not rock stars. Sometimes, though, the long hours of lab work and lack of sleep make us feel like we are. There are a few things that keep us going every day; passion, coffee, and sometimes a good song. We have been working hard at Texas State University for the last few days creating biological profiles. Let me give you a little glimpse into how we kick off every day.
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By Justin
Much of the work we’re doing this week focuses on finishing as many cases as possible, but today we were given many chances to experience how individuals at the Osteological Research and Processing Laboratory (ORPL) contribute to this humanitarian endeavor in other ways. One of the opportunities we had was working with forensic odontologist Dr. James P. Fancher. He kindly offered to show us his methodology and gave us the chance to help him with some dental cases. We were able to watch him take pictures and x-rays of teeth, and he even let us take a few radiographs ourselves. Since we normally do not focus on the dentition in this way, it was great to be able to see this part of the process.
Another facet we got to experience was the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF). I have never been to a decomposition facility before, so it was truly an experience to get to see all the research being conducted there. The facility stretches 26 acres, and we got to see quite a few different types of studies as we walked through the fields. We were given a tour by Dr. Kate Spradley about the research that’s being conducted there, including burials, surface taphonomy, and scavenging studies. It was fascinating to see all the research and how it will contribute to our current understanding of human decomposition in different environments.
A third opportunity we had was learning how to process human remains and personal effects the Texas State way. Dr. Tim Gocha directed us as the other team members and I removed skeletal material from a body bag into a large pot for processing. We also removed all of the clothing from the bag in order to be cleaned later. I then got the chance to help take photos of the personal effects from another individual. I was able to assist by laying out the clothes and arranging them for the photographs, as well as noting any labels or sizes that may help in the identification process.
While I always really enjoy getting to participate in creating the biological profile, I have also really appreciated getting these opportunities. Learning how casework is done at different facilities has really improved my skills as a student of forensic anthropology. It was also really great to see how other members of this collaborative effort help in identifying missing individuals. I can’t wait to see what new opportunities tomorrow brings.
Each field season is a little different in terms of our goals, the team members and the experiences. But this year is very different for me. I am 32 weeks pregnant with my daughter. This has impacted out team in multiple ways from the way I packed and prepared, to our itinerary.
I had to very closely monitor the Zika Virus situation in South Texas. The CDC keeps an updated webpage with information regarding Zika cases in every state. While the number of reported cases in Texas to date is not significantly higher than in states surrounding Indiana, I still need to be cautious when outdoors. I am following the CDC guidelines to prevent mosquito bites. This includes applying an insect repellent with at least 20% DEET and covering exposed skin while outdoors. I also decided to pre-treat my outdoor clothing with Permethrin insect repellent. Permethrin is designed specifically for fabric and can last through multiple washes. All clothing that I will be wearing when we do outdoor fieldwork or outdoor events has been treated.
I do not anticipate the pace or volume of our contributions this field season to be impacted in any way. I am more fatigued at the end of the day than in previous field seasons, but we have a full schedule while we are in Texas. We will be working with Dr. Kate Spradley of Operation Identification on skeletal analyses at Texas State University until Friday. On Saturday we will be participating in Missing in Harris County Day. Our remaining time in Texas next week will be spent in Falfurrias volunteering with the South Texas Human Rights Center. I have an amazing team of University of Indianapolis students with me this year. They did a great job doing skeletal analyses today. In addition, there is a UIndy anthropology colleague working with us this year. Dr. Alyson O’Daniel is a cultural anthropologist embedding herself with our team.
Today we learned about the progress that is occurring in terms of identifications and repatriations across the state. I have dedicated friends and colleagues who are acting tirelessly to change policy and work to standardized the procedures. This week there are students and faculty from both UIndy and Texas State working to complete as many skeletal analyses as possible to reduce the backlog of cases that currently exists. Yesterday everyone worked smoothly and skillfully to complete several cases. We are very excited to share more about what we are doing and the amazing progress our colleagues are making on issues of identification and repatriation. Stay tuned!
~KEL