Forensic Anthropology Research Research Articles

Forensic anthropological research in Indonesia: developing a sex estimation standard for the contemporary population

ABSTRACT Currently, there are a lack of forensic anthropological sex estimation standards for an Indonesian population. Morphoscopic assessments were considered for its ease of use and application to fragmentary remains. For the skull, the cranial nonmetric traits in Walker (2008) are the most frequently used standard. Digital imaging modalities are considered an appropriate proxy to physical skeletal material. This present study assesses the accuracy of Walker (2008) and Asian-derived models in Tallman (2019) on a contemporary Indonesian population. Five univariate and nine multivariate predictive models were derived. This study provides forensic practitioners with an appropriate skeletal sex estimation standard for use in Indonesia, strengthening their capabilities.

Sex estimation research trends in forensic anthropology between 2000 and 2022 in five prominent journals.

In forensic anthropology, osteological sex estimation methods are continuously reevaluated and updated to improve classification accuracies. Therefore, to gain a comprehensive understanding of recent trends in sex estimation research in forensic anthropology, a content analysis of articles published between 2000 and 2022 in Forensic Science International, the Journal of Forensic Sciences, the International Journal of Legal Medicine, the American Journal of Biological Anthropology, and Forensic Anthropology, was performed. The main goals of this content analysis were to (1) examine trends in metric versus morphological research, (2) examine which areas of the skeleton have been explored, (3) examine which skeletal collections and population affinities have been most frequently utilized, and (4) determine which statistical methods were commonly implemented. A total of 440 articles were coded utilizing MAXQDA and the resulting codes were exported for analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted utilizing the Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trends, as well as Fisher-Freeman-Halton tests. The results demonstrate that sex estimation research published in these journals has prioritized metric over morphological methods. Further, the most utilized skeletal regions continue to be the skull and pelvis, while the most popular classification statistics continue to be discriminant function analysis and logistic regression. This study also demonstrates that a substantial portion of research has been conducted utilizing U.S. and Europe-based collections and limited populations. Based on these results, future sex estimation research must continue exploring the use of long bones and other postcranial elements, testing newer methods of analysis, as well as developing population-inclusive methods.

Sex determination based on craniometric parameters: a comparative approach between linear and non-linear machine learning algorithms

Introduction: Determining sex based on cranial characteristics is of great relevance in forensic anthropology. Most studies have employed linear methods (such as logistic regression) for this estimation with accuracies around 70%, rarely exceeding 90% accuracy. Several authors have tested non-linear models such as neural networks, support vector machines, and decision trees with good results, surpassing linear models. Objective: To compare linear models (logistic regression, linear regression, and linear discriminant analysis) with non-linear models (neural networks, extreme gradient boosting, support vector machine, naive Bayes, random forest, decision tree, k-nearest neighbors, and adaptive multivariate spline regression). Materials and Methods: 241 skulls used in this study were obtained from the collection of Center for Study and Research in Anatomy and Forensic Anthropology at Tiradentes University, Farolândia campus in Aracaju, Sergipe. Each skull in the collection has secure detailed records. Eighty-nine skulls with signs of craniotomy (n=58) or damage (n=30) and one unidentified were excluded. The 152 eligible skulls underwent cranial measurements. Using the Anaconda platform and Jupyter editor, the data were divided into a training group (80% of the sample) and then were tested (20% of the sample). Eleven machine learning algorithms, including both linear and non-linear models, were applied. Results: The best machine learning algorithm was a neural network with average accuracy of 93%, after 50 runs. The difference to logistic regression, which had an accuracy of 68%, was significantly (p-value of 0.01016). Conclusion: This study demonstrated the potential of the neural network for solving the sex classification problem. The study has a limitation in that neural networks perform better with a large volume of data, and this study used data from a single center. Nevertheless, in the future, more studies should be conducted testing neural networks with larger samples and skulls from other continents.

ICPUTRD: Image Cloud Platform for use in tagging and research on decomposition

AbstractHuman decomposition studies aim to understand the various factors influencing human decay to assess the deceased and develop postmortem interval (PMI) estimation methods. These types of studies are typically conducted through physical experiments examining the deceased; however, big data systems have the potential to transform how large‐scale forensic anthropology research questions can be addressed with curated images of donors with known demographic, climatic, and postmortem historical data. This study introduces ICPUTRD (Image Cloud Platform for Use in Tagging and Research on Decomposition), a web‐based software system, which enables forensic scientists to easily access, enhance (or curate), and analyze very large photographic collections documenting the longitudinal process of human decomposition. ICPUTRD, a JavaScript‐based application, was designed and built through a combination of the Waterfall and Agile software development life‐cycle methods and provides an image search and tagging features with a predefined nomenclature of forensic‐related keywords. To evaluate the system, a user study was conducted, involving 27 participants who completed pre‐ and post‐study surveys and three research tasks. Analysis of the study results confirmed the feasibility and practicality of ICPUTRD to facilitate aspects of forensic research and casework involving large collections of digital photographs of human decomposition. It was observed that the nomenclature lacked certain law enforcement keywords, so future work will focus on expanding it to ensure ICPUTRD is suited for all its intended users.

Upper Limb Osteometry of the Colombian Population: A Comparative Characterization of Scapula, Clavicle, Humerus, Radius and Ulna

Background: In response to the lack of osteometry research in Colombia, this paper applies a pioneering methodology to the osteometry of the upper limbs and carries out a comparative evaluation of the results obtained with those from several studies conducted worldwide. Morphometric characterization is crucial to inform clinical interventions in areas ranging from orthopedic surgery to forensic anthropological research. Methods: Fifteen samples of dry scapula, clavicle, humerus, radius and ulna were measured. Original parameters were used for this morphometry. Values of p≤0.05 were considered significant. Results: Morphometry of the upper limb bones in the Colombian population is described. The mean weight of dry bones were: scapula 53.322 ± 16.717 grams; clavicle 21.545 ± 4.127 grams; humerus 104.913 ± 36.617 grams; radius 42.187 ± 9.785 grams; and ulna 46.159 ± 11.639 grams. Radius length was statistically significant: p=0.0259. Conclusions: This is the first published paper reporting the osteometry and comparative analysis of the upper limb bones in Colombia. The morphometric data presented in this study contribute to the field of Colombian osteometrics and provide a reference for future interdisciplinary research. KEY WORDS: Anatomy, Anthropometry, Arm Bones, Bones of Upper Extremity, Clavicle, Humerus, Osteology, Radius, Scapula, Ulna.

Daubert and the Effect on Biological Profile Research

As a core component of casework, methods for estimating the biological profile must meet current legal standards to be admissible as part of a forensic anthropologist’s expert witness testimony. Since the 1993 US Supreme Court Daubert decision, forensic anthropologists have voiced concern that methods relying on subjective or qualitative data might now be at risk of judicial exclusion. This research used a bibliometric approach to assess whether current forensic anthropology research has shifted toward the use of more objective and/or quantitative data. Forensic anthropology articles published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences between 1972 and 2020 were reviewed (n = 1,142), with data collected on each article’s topic, use of different data types, and inclusion of observer error studies. A subset of articles focusing on methods for estimating the four main parameters of the biological profile (age, sex, ancestry/population affinity, stature) was analyzed using chi-square tests for trend in proportions. Age and sex estimation articles showed a significant shift toward more quantitative data (p < 0.001), although no biological profile subtopic showed a significant shift toward more objective data. While this may seem to be a surprising result, a deeper review of current legal standards and standards of practice suggests that Daubert does not require significant changes to how forensic anthropologists approach research design and method development. So long as the principles of good science are followed, the continued reliance on qualitative data should not be a concern from the standpoint of evidentiary admissibility.

The over-citation of Daubert in forensic anthropology.

The 1993 US Supreme Court decision Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. presented new guidance for the judicial assessment of expert witness evidence and testimony in the determination of admissibility. Despite the rarity of admissibility challenges to forensic anthropology evidence, Daubert is frequently cited in published forensic anthropology research. This study undertook a qualitative thematic analysis of forensic anthropology articles published in the Journal of Forensic Sciences to assess why authors continue to cite Daubert and express concerns over potential exclusion. The results show a significant increase in the number of articles that cite legal admissibility standards over time (p < 0.001). Authors frequently cite these standards to contextualize their results within the Daubert framework or to justify the need for their research. Notably, many articles present Daubert as a constraining force, misinterpreting the guidelines as rigid criteria or that they require methods to be strictly quantitative. However, Daubert was intended to be a flexible tool for judges-not a standard or instruction for scientists. While it was reasonable to reflect on the scientific rigor of methods in the wake of the Daubert decision, a new perspective is warranted in which forensic anthropologists shift their focus from trying to "satisfy" admissibility guidelines to adopting quality assurance measures that minimize error and ensure confidence in analytical results, and developing and using methods that are grounded in good science-which is important regardless of whether or not the results are ever the subject of a trial.

Speaking of Sex: Critical Reflections for Forensic Anthropologists

Forensic anthropologists have a responsibility to appropriately relay information about a decedent in medicolegal reports and when communicating with the public. The terms ‘sex’ and ‘sex estimation’ have been applied with numerous, inconsistent definitions under the guise that sex—a broad, complex concept—can be reduced to a female/male binary. This binary does not reflect biocultural realities and harms those whose bodies do not meet social expectations of maleness or femaleness. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Forensic Anthropology and Bioarchaeology Laboratory (UNLV FAB Lab) advocates for the use of the term ‘assigned sex at birth’ (ASAB) to highlight that binary sex is not biologically inherent to the body, but rather, assigned by society. Additionally, we call for the use of disclaimers in case reports to denote the limitations of ASAB estimation methods, the differentiation between those with mixed trait expression (i.e., indeterminate) and those on whom an ASAB analysis cannot be performed (i.e., unknown), and the included consideration of gender in forensic anthropology research and case reports. Such applications challenge biological normalcy, allowing forensic anthropologists to actively advocate for those whose bodies do not meet biocultural expectations.

Sr-Pb isotope differences in pre- and post-burial human bone, teeth, and hair keratin: implications for isotope forensics.

The isotopic signatures of human tissues can provide valuable information on geographic origin for medicolegal investigations involving unidentified persons. It is important to understand the impact of diagenetic processes on isotopic signatures, as alterations could result in incorrect estimation of geographic origin. This study examines alterations in isotope signatures of different tissues of five human body donors studied throughout decomposition at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility (FARF), San Marcos, TX. Two body donors were buried, two were placed in open pits, and one was first allowed to naturally mummify and then buried. Remains were recovered after a period of 7-34months. The preplacement and post-recovery Sr-Pb isotope data of scalp hair, bone (iliac and tibia), and tooth enamel and dentine were compared. The hair samples record significant shifts in Sr-Pb isotope compositions, with hair keratin Pb isotope composition shifting towards the Pb signature of local soil samples. Hair keratin Sr isotope compositions were altered by the burial environment and possibly also by the lab sample cleaning method. The spongy iliac bone samples show inconsistencies in the recoverability of the preplacement Sr-Pb isotope signatures. The post-placement signatures of the buried donors show slight elevation over preplacement signatures. The post-placement signatures of donors placed in open pits are significantly elevated. The tibia and dental samples record the most consistent isotopic data with the least alteration. These more densely mineralised elements show good recoverability of the preplacement isotope signatures in burials and open pits and are thus deemed better targets for forensic investigative purposes.

Engaging Undergraduate Students in Forensic Anthropology Research During Times of Restricted Lab Access: The Efficacy and Importance of Student-Led Surveys

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on experiential learning have been felt by students interested in forensic anthropology casework and lab training. Without access to labs and with cancellations of courses related to hands-on learning like human osteology and forensic anthropology, students may not receive critical training necessary in their fields of interest. In this paper, we explore one potential option for engaged forensic anthropology research: the creation of skeletal research surveys that students can design and disseminate to law enforcement to better understand the nature of forensic casework in their own states. Students reported a high satisfaction rate with these survey projects and were able to build networks that helped them refine their post-graduation education and career goals. By formulating questions, creating surveys, submitting to the review board, and synthesizing data, students were able to explore forensic topics without entering a traditional lab setting during times of university lockdowns. The data from this research can be used by forensic anthropology students and professors in the future to better assist law enforcement with the identification of skeletal remains. The surveys described in this paper are easily replicated by other professors seeking to provide students with low-cost, remote forensic research opportunities.

The 'ForensOMICS' approach for postmortem interval estimation from human bone by integrating metabolomics, lipidomics, and proteomics.

The combined use of multiple omics allows to study complex interrelated biological processes in their entirety. We applied a combination of metabolomics, lipidomics and proteomics to human bones to investigate their combined potential to estimate time elapsed since death (i.e., the postmortem interval [PMI]). This 'ForensOMICS' approach has the potential to improve accuracy and precision of PMI estimation of skeletonized human remains, thereby helping forensic investigators to establish the timeline of events surrounding death. Anterior midshaft tibial bone was collected from four female body donors before their placement at the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility owned by the Forensic Anthropological Center at Texas State (FACTS). Bone samples were again collected at selected PMIs (219-790-834-872days). Liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to obtain untargeted metabolomic, lipidomic, and proteomic profiles from the pre- and post-placement bone samples. The three omics blocks were investigated independently by univariate and multivariate analyses, followed by Data Integration Analysis for Biomarker discovery using Latent variable approaches for Omics studies (DIABLO), to identify the reduced number of markers describing postmortem changes and discriminating the individuals based on their PMI. The resulting model showed that pre-placement metabolome, lipidome and proteome profiles were clearly distinguishable from post-placement ones. Metabolites in the pre-placement samples suggested an extinction of the energetic metabolism and a switch towards another source of fuelling (e.g., structural proteins). We were able to identify certain biomolecules with an excellent potential for PMI estimation, predominantly the biomolecules from the metabolomics block. Our findings suggest that, by targeting a combination of compounds with different postmortem stability, in the future we could be able to estimate both short PMIs, by using metabolites and lipids, and longer PMIs, by using proteins.

Solving the inverse problem of post-mortem interval estimation using Bayesian Belief Networks

Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) can be applied to solve inverse problems such as the post-mortem interval (PMI) by a simple and logical graphical representation of conditional dependencies between multiple taphonomic variables and the observable decomposition effect. This study is the first cross-comparison retrospective study of human decomposition across three different geographical regions. To assess the effect of the most influential taphonomic variables on the decomposition rate (as measured by the Total Decomposition Score (TDS)), decomposition data was examined from the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility at the University of Tennessee (n = 312), the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner in Pittsburgh, US (n = 250), and the Crime Scene Investigation department at Southwest Forensics in the UK (n = 81). Two different BBNs for PMI estimations were created from the US and the UK training data. Sensitivity analysis was performed to identify the most influential parameters of TDS variance, with weaker variables (e.g., age, sex, clothing) being excluded during model refinement. The accuracy of the BBNs was then compared by additional validation cases: US (n = 28) and UK (n = 10). Both models conferred predictive power of the PMI and accounted for the unique combination of taphonomic variables affecting decomposition. Both models had a mean posterior probability of 86% (US) and 81% (UK) in favor of the experimental hypothesis (that the PMI was on, or less than, the prior last known alive date). Neither the US nor the UK datasets represented any cases below 'moderate' support for the value of PMI evidence. By applying coherent probabilistic reasoning to PMI estimations, one logical solution is provided to model the complexities of human decomposition that can quantify the combined effect of several uncertainties surrounding the PMI estimation. This approach communicates the PMI with an associated degree of confidence and provides predictive power on unknown PMI cases.

Employing deep learning for sex estimation of adult individuals using 2D images of the humerus

Biological profile estimation, of which sex estimation is a fundamental first stage, is a really important task in forensic human identification. Although there are a large number of methods that address this problem from different bone structures, mainly using the pelvis and the skull, it has been shown that the humerus presents significant sexual dimorphisms that can be used to estimate sex in their absence. However, these methods are often too subjective or costly, and the development of new methods that avoid these problems is one of the priorities in forensic anthropology research. In this respect, the use of artificial intelligence may allow to automate and reduce the subjectivity of biological profile estimation methods. In fact, artificial intelligence has been successfully applied in sex estimation tasks, but most of the previous work focuses on the analysis of the pelvis and the skull. More importantly, the humerus, which can be useful in some situations due to its resistance, has never been used in the development of an automatic sex estimation method. Therefore, this paper addresses the use of machine learning techniques to the task of image classification, focusing on the use of images of the distal epiphysis of the humerus to classify whether it belongs to a male or female individual. To address this, we have used a set of humerus photographs of 417 adult individuals of Mediterranean origin to validate and compare different approaches, using both deep learning and traditional feature extraction techniques. Our best model obtains an accuracy of 91.03% in test, correctly estimating the sex of 92.68% of the males and 89.19% of the females. These results are superior to the ones obtained by the state of the art and by a human expert, who has achieved an accuracy of 83.33% using a state-of-the-art method on the same data. In addition, the visualization of activation maps allows us to confirm not only that the neural network observes the sexual dimorphisms that have been proposed by the forensic anthropology literature, but also that it has been capable of finding a new region of interest.

Skeletal Sex Estimation Methods Based on the Athens Collection

The aim of this paper was to present all studies that have used the Athens Collection in order to develop methods for skeletal sex estimations and highlight the importance of documented skeletal reference collections in forensic anthropology. The Athens Collection is housed at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece; it consists of 250 individuals and both sexes are well-represented. Several studies have used this collection for skeletal sex estimations. In particular, macroscopic observation methods have been used based on the cranium and pelvis; metric methods, including geometric morphometrics, have been applied to cranial and postcranial elements. These studies involved both the development of methods for the sex estimation of Greek/Eastern Mediterranean assemblages and an examination of the accuracy of the existing methods, thus making this collection a key resource for forensic anthropological and bioarchaeological research.

Survivability versus rate of recovery for skeletal elements in forensic anthropology.

Survivability, the ability of a skeletal element to withstand taphonomic processes, is often equated to recoverability, the probability that an element will be recovered in a forensic context, and further misused to infer the likelihood that a forensic anthropologist will recover a particular element at a scene. Consequently, researchers have utilized notions of survivability to infer that a skeletal element may be recovered when justifying the necessity of various research endeavors. This is problematic because the factors impacting survivability are not always applicable in a forensic context; the ability of a bone to survive taphonomic processes may not align with the likelihood of recovery. Empirical recovery rates are presented from two distinct contexts, with data derived from the Forensic Anthropology Data Bank based on cases performed by the late J. Lawrence Angel (1914-1986) and cases done by the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK). Recovery rates may be influenced by factors beyond survivability, though we do not investigate the many considerations that might explain recovery rate variation between datasets. Rather, these data exemplify the conceptual differences between notions of survivability and rates of recovery in actual casework scenarios. Thus, it is proposed that researchers consider documented rates of recovery when providing rationale for forensic anthropology research endeavors, in addition to citing a rationale that is based on inferences of survivability. This ensures that the theoretical framework of future forensic anthropology research stems, primarily, from the premise of practical application.

Evaluating Graduate Student Diversity in Forensic Anthropology

In this paper we explore why graduate programs with a focus in forensic anthropology typically lack racial and ethnic diversity. Specifically, we ask how application and enrollment data from our MA anthropology program at Texas State University, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), compare to census data and national data sets. We further compare diversity in 2020 applications in the Texas State MA anthropology program to the programs at California State University, Chico, which is also an HSI, and at the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, which has multiple forensic anthropology faculty and a highly regarded forensic anthropology research center but is not an HSI. Our program had a greater percentage of White students and fewer underrepresented minority (URM) students compared to U.S. population data. However, compared to a nationwide 2007–2008 survey of anthropology MA programs, our program had a higher percentage of enrolled URM students, especially Hispanic students, and fewer White students. Our program also reached parity with 2017 data on nationally awarded anthropology MA degrees. In terms of race and ethnicity in 2020 application data, the HSIs (Texas State University and California State University, Chico), were similar to each other. Finally, we found that the majority of students who applied to and enrolled in our program wanted to study forensic anthropology, including the majority of URM students. We suggest that many factors contribute to graduate student diversity, including state demographics and university strategic plans that strive for a welcoming campus environment. Our study serves as a starting point to assess general trends in graduate student diversity within forensic anthropology programs.

The (Mis)appropriation of Biological Anthropology in Race Science and the Implications for Forensic Anthropology

Most biological anthropologists acknowledge that phenotypic human variation is distinct from human race. However, there is the potential for the research on human variation to be (mis)interpreted by the public as a reification of biological races. To explore this possible misuse, this study is a content analysis of articles (n = 1146) in the prominent race science journals Mankind Quarterly; The Journal of Social, Political, and Economic Studies; and The Occidental Quarterly. The goal is to investigate how race science employs research in biological and forensic anthropology to justify arguments. Articles were evaluated according to country affiliation, discipline, data sets, racial/ethnic terminology, position on racial hierarchy, position on racial segregation and eugenics, focus of study, views of scientific community, and the average power index (PI). Additionally, specific examples of (mis)appropriation are highlighted. Though the primary discipline represented in these publications is psychology, biological anthropology maintains a presence. Skeletal and dental traits, genetics, and paleoanthropological data are used to argue for biological racial differences and taxonomic distinctions. The research of forensic ancestry estimation was regularly used to legitimize the concept of biological race. While the PIs of the articles are low, they are present on the internet and circulate within social media. The continued use of biological anthropology to reinforce racial essentialism should force practitioners to question the ethical implications of their research. Finally, we provide discussion regarding shiftsin methodology and terminology to address how biological and forensic anthropologists can rectify the damage this research may directly and indirectly cause.

Documented Skeletal Collections and Their Importance in Forensic Anthropology in the United States

Documented skeletal collections are the backbone of forensic anthropology due to their associated biohistories. This paper describes the identified skeletal collections and their relevance in forensic anthropological research, education and training in the US. The establishment of documented skeletal collections in the US can be distinguished into two modus operandi, depending on the stance towards the dead, legislation, and medical and forensic practices. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, anatomists amassed skeletons from cadaver dissections, shaped by European influences. Those skeletons compose the anatomical collections—such as the Robert J. Terry Anatomical Collection—predominantly representing impoverished and unclaimed individuals. Ethical concerns for the curation and research of African American skeletons without family consent are growing in the US. In contrast, since the 1980s, modern documented skeletal collections originated from body donations to human taphonomy facilities, such as the William M. Bass Donated Skeletal Collection. The establishment and testing of osteological methods essential to establish one’s identity—such as age at death and sex—have been developed with skeletons from documented collections. Therefore, the analysis of identified skeletons has been crucial for the development of forensic anthropology in the US.

The Unidentified Skeletal Collection of Capuchos Cemetery (Santarém) housed at the University of Coimbra

The aim of this article is to present to the scientific and academic community the Unidentified Skeletal Collection of the Capuchos Cemetery. The skeletons, of contemporary individuals, were collected from the same cemetery as those of the 21st Century Identified Skeletal Collection, but their identification is unknown. The collection is composed of 73 individuals, of which 68 are adults of both sexes (34 females, 33 males, and one individual of unknown sex) and five are non-adults. The skeletons are reasonably preserved although several are incomplete as result of taphonomic changes during inhumations, but also due to the experimental research made so far. Most of the adult individuals present nonmetric characters, being the scapular notch the most frequent. Regarding the osteopathology, it was observed that the majority of adult individuals have pathological changes, with degenerative pathology being the most frequent. In addition, some individual exhibit medical devices and/or signs of chirurgical procedures.&#x0D; The Unidentified Skeletal Collection of the Capuchos Cemetery is an osteological collection that, although not containing individual biographical data, has contributed to teaching and research in Biological and Forensic Anthropology in subjects such as osteology, morphology, biological profile, paleopathology, cremains, and the development of new methods.

Changing the Landscape of Identity in Forensic Anthropology

1 SNA International supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hickam, Hawaii, USA. 2 Humanities and Sciences Interdepartmental Programs, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA. *Correspondence to: Briana T. New, SNA International supporting the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, 590 Moffet St., Joint Base Pearl Harbor, Hickam, HI 96853 USA. E-mail: btrnew@gmail.com. KEY WORDS: forensic anthropology, identity, casework, multidisciplinary. Human Biology, Winter 2021, v. 93, no. 1. doi: 10.13110/humanbiology.93.1.04. Copyright © 2021 Wayne State University Press, Detroit, Michigan 48201 Changing the Landscape of Identity in Forensic Anthropology Briana T. New1 * and Bridget F. B. Algee-Hewitt2 The articles that comprise this special issue, “Changing the Landscape of Identity in Forensic Anthropology,” grew from a symposium titled “ExpandingBoundaries :EmbracingtheIntersectionality of Forensic Anthropology to Account for the Changing Landscape of Identity in Current Casework .”These papers were intended to be presented at the 2020 meeting of the American Association of PhysicalAnthropologists(nowtheAmericanAssociation of Biological Anthropologists). However, whentheCOVID-19pandemicnecessitatedcanceling the conference, we offered the opportunity for researchers to expand their intended presentations . We are grateful that, despite the events that changed many of our personal and professional lives over the last few years, many symposium participants transformed their contributions into the rich body of research presented here. This two-part special issue focuses on the expanded potential of forensic anthropological research as the discipline continues to develop multidisciplinary approaches for understanding identity, incorporating new sources of information andnewmethodologies,andleveragingpreexisting approaches in new ways. The research showcased here uses diverse data and forward-thinking applications—historical, demographic, dental, skeletal, and genomic—to tackle the complexities of identity in forensic casework. These studies engage critically with parameters of the biological profile from many different perspectives but with shared concern for practical applications within the field. Operating in the context of this theme, all of the contributions highlight the need for a renewed dialogue in the field. Kenyhercz, Konigsberg et al., and Spake et al. problematize the straightforward adoption of prevailing methodologies through their presentations of advanced theory. They demonstrate risks of methodological misuse and misidentificationthatresultfromuncriticalacceptance of standard practice. Kenyhercz challenges the ancestry estimation methodology used by forensic anthropologists for decades by providing anexploratorymethodologyof unsupervisedlearning techniques, an approach that does not require a priori group selection or assumptions when comparing an individual against different groups. Indoingso,theauthorconteststhenormsof analysis , encouraging practitioners to broaden their perspectives on what it means to assess human variation at the level of the individual or group. Konigsberg et al., in surfacing procedural fallacies, underscore the sobering reality of the real human consequences in poor methodology. Asking us to rethink our role as experts in the production and acceptance of forensic evidence, the authors analyzetheconsistencyindevelopmentof thefirstand secondmandibularmolarsforpredictingminimum age thresholds.They thus demonstrate the bounds of juvenile age estimation within this context and assert that use of biological markers for minimum age of criminal responsibility is not reliable. Spake et al. explore the potential of incorporating into the forensic tool kit formulas that estimate body mass for use on modern juvenile remains. Their Changing the Landscape of Identity in Forensic Anthropology New and Algee-Hewitt 000 ■ New and Algee-Hewitt and approaches to race and ancestry within biological anthropology. Through this research, the authors provide a variety of recommendations to address discordances their survey identified in teaching modes, research techniques, and public engagementstrategies,fromthelanguageusedand how our discussions are structured to the modernization of communication methodologies. Taylor et al. deliver case discussions that, while learning tools themselves, drive home a bigger message that forensic casework should be first informed by the fundamentals of “doing” anthropology. In this light, they encourage readers to reevaluate how we reconcile discordant lines of evidence and to embrace how the often-muddied waters of culture can bring unexpected clarity to our understanding of biology. Their research addresses the complexities and possible inconsistences across different lines of biological, social, and material evidencethatmustbeaddressedforidentifications to move forward. Furthermore, the authors show how mobilizing social theory in casework and case building can help contextualize or ground fluid social identities through time. This article advocates for a holistic biosocial anthropological approach to identity building, arguing that it is necessary for facilitating forensic identifications not just...