Scientific research is simply a systemic way of collecting data to answer questions. At FIRS, we teach students to ask testable questions and design projects that directly answer the questions. We teach students to determine the probability that their answer is correct, and how to write and orally present their research.
We also welcome researchers from other institutions, and actively collaborate with scholars outside CMU in projects that span multiple disciplines.
All researchers, from CMU and elsewhere, must at all times treat the human remains with respect. Photography is limited to that needed directly to the research as is access to donor information (generally variables such as age, sex, height).
Publications:
Becktell, MC, S Tucker, AZ Ozsoy, M Connor (2022). Identification of fungi found on desiccated human remains in an arid outdoor environment. Journal of Forensic Science DOI:10.1111/1556-4029.15066
Smith, A (2021). Patterns of striped skunk scavenging on human remains. Journal of Forensic Science 66(4):1420-1426.
Garcia, S, A Smith, C Baigent, M Connor (2020). The Scavenging Patterns of Feral Cats on Human Remains in an Outdoor Setting. Journal of Forensic Science 65(3): 948-952.
Baigent, C, C Agan, M Connor, ES Hansen (2020). Autopsy as a form of evisceration: Implications for decomposition rate, pattern, and estimation of postmortem interval. Forensic Science International Vol. 306, Jan, 110068.
Connor, MA, C Baigent, ES Hansen (2019). Measuring Desiccation Using Qualitative Changes: A Step Toward Determining Regional Decomposition Sequences. Journal of Forensic Science 64 (4):1004-1011.
Connor, MA, C Baigent, ES Hansen (2017). Testing the Use of Pigs as Human Proxies in Decomposition Studies. Journal of Forensic Science 63(5): 1350-1355.
Hansen, ES, C Baigent, SI Reck, MA Connor. (2017). Bioelectrical Impedance as a Technique for Estimating Postmortem Interval. Journal of Forensic Science 63 (4): 1186-1190.
Dabbs, GR, JA Bytheway and M Connor. (2017) Comparing the Scoring of Human Decomposition from Digital Images to Scoring Using On-site Observations. Journal of Forensic Science 62 (5):1292-1296.
Dabbs, GR, MA Connor, JA Bytheway (2016). Interobserver Reliability of the Total Body Score System for Quantifying Human Decomposition. Journal of Forensic Science 61(2):445-451.
Couse, T, MA Connor (2015) A Comparison of Maceration Techniques for Use in Forensic Skeletal Preparations. Journal of Forensic Investigation. 3(1):6.
Bytheway, JA, MA Connor, G.R. Dabbs, C.A. Johnston, M.Sunkel. 2015. The Ethics and Best Practice of Human Decomposition Facilities in the United States. Forensic Science Policy & Management: An International Journal 6:3-4, 59-68.
Conference Presentations and Student Theses:
Baigent, C (2023). A Longitudinal Observation of Pattern and Trajectory of Packrat Scavenging Among
a Cohort of Human Donors. 2023 Annual Conference, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Denver, CO.
Baigent, C (2023). Small but Mighty: A Controlled Observation of Magpie Scavenging Among a Cohort of
Human Remains in the Rocky Mountain Region of Colorado. 2023 Annual Conference, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Denver, CO.
Connor, M, A Smith, G Swelstad (2023). Human Remains Detection Dogs and Residual Odor. 2023 Annual Conference, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Denver, CO.
Smith, A (2023). Soft Tissue Scavenging Patterns of Mice on Human Remains. 2023 Annual Conference, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Denver, CO.
Baigent, C, D Kintz, M Connor (2023). Research with Altitude: Colorado Mesa University’s Human Decomposition Research Centers. 2023 Annual Meeting, Rocky Mountain Biological Anthropology Association, Estes Park, CO.
Smith, A (2023). The Forensic Investigation Research Station Donated Human Skeletal Collection: Creation, Research, and Educational Value. 2023 Annual Meeting, Rocky Mountain Biological Anthropology Association, Estes Park, CO.
Smith, A (2023). Skeletal Manifestations of Striped Skunk Scavenigng on Human Remains. 2023 Annual Conference, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Orlando, FL.
Baigent, C (2022). Toward a Model for Estimating Postmortem Interval (PMI) at High altitude: Categorical Macromorphoscopic Changes Observed Throughout the Trajectory of Human Decomposition in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, WA.
Chu, J, A Smith, M Connor (2022) Testing the Use of Bone Weathering to Estimate the Postmortem Interval (PMI) on Forensically Relevant Bone in an Arid Environment. 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, WA.
Mavroudas, Steadman, Zedjlik, Wescott, Gocha, Hughes, Dabbs, Connor, Ward, Kimmerle, Harris, Forbes, Falsetti. (2022). 50 Years of Taphonomic Research: From Death’s Acre to a Global Footprint. 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, WA.
Moss, N, A Smith, M Connor (2022). Bone Fourescence, Taphonomy, and the Post-mortem Interval (PMI). 2022 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, WA.
Baigent, CI, DE Kintz, MA Connor, GR Dabbs (2020). Coyote Pup Scavenging as Distinct from Adult Behavior: The Potential for Reproductive Patterns to Inform the Estimation of Postmortem Interval. 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Anaheim CA.
Smith, AJ, and MA Connor (2020). The Patterns of Striped Skunk Scavenging on Human Remains. 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Anaheim CA.
Garcia, S, A Smith, C Baigent, M Connor (2019). The Scavenging Patterns of Feral Cats on Human Remains in an Outdoor Setting. 2019 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Baltimore, MD.
Knott, RE (2019). Comparison of adult age estimation methods using a known-age sample. Bachelor's dissertation, Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bradford, UK.
Agan, CJ, C. Baigent, M Connor, and ES Hansen. (2018) Decomposition Rates: Autopsied vs. Non-autopsied Human Remains. 2018 Annual Scientific Meeting, American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Seattle, WA.
Holley, HH (2018). The Environmental Effect of Mummification in Texas and Colorado. Master's thesis, Dept of Anthropology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX.
Oettel, B (2018). The Relationship Between BMI an Rate of Decomposition as Seen in Human Models in the Western Part of the United States. Senior thesis. Dept. of Anthropology, University of South Dakota.
CMU Student Showcase Presentations:
Nand, K (2023). Handy Siding Techniques: testing Methods for Siding Manual Phalanges.
Puleo, K (2023). Osteological Case Study: Motor Vehicle Accident.
Bartlett, K (2022). Bright Orange Discoloration in Human Decomposition.
Robinson, M (2021). Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Related Trauma to Ribs and Sternum.
Welsh, H. (2021). Differential Weathering and the Behresmeyer Scale.
Mason, L (2020). Impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on Moist Decomposition in Human Remains.
Tucker, S (2020). Identification of Fungi Found Growing on Decomposing Human Remains Located in a High Desert Environment.
Cravens-Camp, M (2019). Investigating Material Culture Items found in Alleged Cremated Remains.
Garcia, S (2019). The Scavenging Patterns of Feral Cats on Human Remains in an Outdoor Setting.
Lopez, G (2019). Using a metal Detecting Pin Pointer to Locate Inclusions in Cemains.
Garcia, S (2018). Using Infrared Light Photography to Visualize Tattoos on Decomposed Human Remains.
Worth, B, ES Hansen, and M Connor (2018). Temperature Correction of Bioelectric Impedance Analysis in Forensic Applications.
Agan, C (2017). Decomposition Rates: Autopsied vs. Non-autopsied Human Remains.
Alferos, ME, KL Murphy, MA Connor, ES Hansen, KN White (2017). Investigation of Changing Soil Phosphorous Concentrations Around Decomposing Human Remains via Available Phosphorous Analysis.
Garcia, S (2017) Using ALS to Visualize Tattoos on Decomposed Human Remains.
Moschetti, H (2017). Comparing Biological to Self-Reported Ancestry in Human Crania.
Reck, SI, ES Hansen, and MA Connor (2017). Correlation of Bioelectric Impedance Metrics to Accumulated Degree Days Among Body Segments Using Gel Pad Electrodes.
Reck, S, ES Hansen, MA Connor (2016) Using Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Estimate Post-Mortem Interval.
Bryant, K (2015). Microscopic analysis of Postmortem Root Banding.
Couse, T (2015). A Study of the Most Effective Maceration Methods.
Heimlich-Bowler, G (2015). Bioelectrical Impedance as a Method of Estimating the Post Mortem Interval.
Bussell, A (2014). Using the Infrared Thermometer to Predict Decomposition.
FIRS Technical Manuals:
Smith, A, C Baigent. Series Editor M Connor. FIRS Techinical Manual 2, Third Edition: Maceration. 2022, FIRS Techincal Manual Series: firs-tm2-maceration-3rd-edition.pdf
Smith, A. Series Editor M Connor. FIRS Techincal Manual 5, Third Edition: Entomology Protocols. 2023, FIRS Techical Manual Series: firs-tm5-entomology-3rd-edition.pdf
Mason, L, A Smith. Series Editor M Connor. FIRS Techical Manual 8, Second Edition: Skeletal Photography Protocol. 2022, FIRS Techical Manual Series: firs-tm8-skeletal-photography-2nd-edition.pdf
For Researchers:
Qualified researchers can conduct research at either the Outdoor Research Laboratory or using the FIRS Skeletal Collection. Interested researchers should:
1. Contact the FIRS Director at [email protected]
2. Complete the Research Request Form and return to the FIRS Director with a research proposal.
3. FIRS staff will review the proposal and inform the principal investigator whether the research is accepted and if any fees will be involved (for instance, for PPE or in association with storage or use of human remains).
4. Upon acceptance, the principal investigator will be asked to complete the confidentiality and waiver forms.
5. Upon completion of the research, FIRS will retain copies of any photographs and will be acknowledged in any presentations or publications resulting from the work.