Human Biology Labs & Research

Those interested in osteology and forensic anthropology may train directly on skeletonized human remains cases that are handled annually through the Human Identification Center. Other departmental resources include comparative human osteology and nonhuman skeletal collections, fossil casts, microscopes, 3D scanning equipment, DNA extraction and analysis equipment, and an 18-bay Human Gross Anatomy Laboratory.

students measuring human bone in the lab

Human Identification Center

The primary mission of the Human Identification Center (HIC) is to provide expert forensic anthropology consulting services for local, state, national, and private medicolegal agencies, in order to identify unknown decomposed or skeletonized decedents and to discern the circumstances of their death. We provide rigorous forensic anthropology training to Human Biology students at the graduate level, thereby investing in the future of the discipline. Another mission of the HIC is to study the longevity and transfer of DNA and to elucidate the conditions under which DNA can and cannot be used for inclusionary or exclusionary purposes in forensic contexts. The umbrella under which we execute our mission goals is known in sum as the Forensic Outreach Program. The Forensic Outreach Program and mission activities are consistent with and reinforce the University of Indianapolis’ motto of "Education for Service."

The Processing Laboratory

The Processing Laboratory is a secure space dedicated to the intake, processing, and cleaning of forensic anthropology casework prior to scientific skeletal analyses.

The Osteology Laboratory

The Osteology Laboratory is a secure space dedicated to the scientific analysis of forensic anthropology casework and the training of Human Biology graduate students. 

Osteology Lab features include:

  • Ever-growing comparative faunal collection
  • Casts of fossil animals and humans
  • Digital photography & radiography equipment
  • Secure analysis areas & training spaces
  • Reference library of important texts in the field of forensic anthropology

The Forensic DNA Laboratory

The Forensic DNA Laboratory is a secure space dedicated to studies of DNA transfer and persistence and the purification of DNA from skeletal material.

Forensic DNA Lab features include:

  • Equipment for the extraction and analysis of DNA
  • Dedicated clean room for genetic analyses
  • Genotype analysis software
  • Reference library of important texts in the field of forensic and human genetics
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Alum Story
Meg headshot
Meg
Senior Crime Scene Analyst, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department

This program helped me build my communication and critical thinking skills which have been extremely helpful in all aspects of crime scene investigations. By participating in casework at UIndy, I also learned how to speak with investigators with confidence, which helped prepare me for my current job where I interface with other investigators, detectives, suspects, victims, district attorneys, and even juries. The program helped immensely with developing these skills that I use on a daily basis, particularly when teaching my courses in investigative photography.

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