Research into trabecular architecture, curator of Scheuer Collection, trainee forensic anthropologist

Research

Surprisingly, very little is known about the way in which the internal and external structure of bones changes throughout life. This can mainly be attributed to the lack of relevant skeletal material upon which to carry out such research and the lack of an appropriate means of analysing irreplaceable skeletal collections. However, through the application of modern imaging techniques applied to the unique Scheuer collection of juvenile skeletal remains I have been able to overcome these previous limitations to gain an insight into the structural architecture of the developing skeleton. Recently, this work has focused on the pelvis and has considered the way in which the internal bone structure changes in response to normal developmental milestones such as the attainment and maturity of walking and puberty. Already this research is producing exciting results which have challenged current concepts of bipedality and have resulted in the formulation of revised theories regarding the early developmental progression of the bone. In addition to contributing to advanced anatomical and anthropological theory this research also has a potential clinical and forensic application.

Teaching

I teach on the Juvenile Osteology Module and the Juvenile Osteology CPD summer courses.