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ISOTOPIC AND ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THE WILLIAM BASS DONATED SKELETAL COLLECTION AND OTHER MODERN DONATED COLLECTIONS

Award Information

Awardee
Unversity of Tennesse
Award #
2008-DN-BX-K193
Funding Category
Competitive
Location

Knoxville, TN

Awardee County
Knox
Congressional District
2
Status
Closed
Funding First Awarded
2008
Total funding (to date)
$478,500
Original Solicitation
NIJ FY 08 Research and Development in Forensic Anthropology and Odontology: Invited Full Proposals

Description of original award (Fiscal Year 2008, $237,750)

This project will generate a national isotope database derived from the WBDSC and the other donated skeletal collections; provide forensic anthropologists and criminal investigators a comparative database to determine location of residence of unidentified decedents based on the tissue sampled; and evaluate the effectiveness of implementing multiple isotopic and trace element data to constrain the locations and movement histories of modern individuals. Making data readily accessible will examination time and thus reduce case backlog.

ca/ncf

Isotopic and elemental characteristics of human bone, teeth and hair have been demonstrated as useful biomarkers for forensic anthropologists and criminal investigators. These biomarkers trace locations and movements of the individuals can aid in the identification of human remains. The second year of the grant (FY2010) will focus on sample preparation and analysis. The authors will continue their focus on sample procurement from the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection, but additional bone, enamel and hair samples will be obtained from the University of New Mexico Maxwell Museum Documented Skeletal Collection and Texas State University-San Marcos Donated Collection. ca/ncf

Date Created: September 16, 2008