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Title

Forensic anthropology – Age estimation and deciduous teeth

Mentor

Marin A. Pilloud, Ph.D.

Department

Anthropology

Biosketch

Marin A. Pilloud, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the Â鶹ӳ»­ in the Department of Anthropology. Prior to this appointment, she was a forensic anthropologist with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency.  She is a board-certified forensic anthropologist and a registered professional archaeologist and regularly consults on forensic anthropological casework.  Her research interests focus on how the human skeleton can inform the understanding of human behavior in archaeological contexts and also be used in a forensic context as part of the biological profile. She is particularly interested in the application of dental morphology and metrics to answer research questions in both of these realms. Her bioarchaeological research is primarily focused on Neolithic Anatolia. Within forensic anthropology, Pilloud is pursuing research in the estimation of sex and age. She is also exploring ethics and professionalization of both forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.

Project overview

This project will focus on forensic anthropology method development. The project aims to create new methods of age estimation through an exploration of the histological structure of deciduous teeth. These teeth hold clues about our past growth and development that can help us understand a person’s life events through the enamel of their teeth. The PREP student would help prepare and read dental histological slides.  On this project, the student will learn lab protocols, histology slide preparation, and analytical techniques. Additionally, the student could have the opportunity to assist with forensic anthropological case analysis. There are no prerequisites for the student. Although, a background in anatomy and/or biology would be helpful.

Pack Research Experience Program information and application