15 Forensic Anthropologist Skills for Your Career and Resume

Forensic anthropologists are scientists who use their knowledge of human anatomy and skeletal remains to help solve crimes. They have many skills that help them perform their job, including being able to identify different types of bones, being able to read and interpret data and being able to work with law enforcement officials. If you’re interested in becoming a forensic anthropologist, it’s important to understand what skills are necessary for the job.

Forensic Anthropology Database

Forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of forensic anthropology to identify human remains and determine the cause of death. They also use a database of information about past cases to help them solve current ones. Forensic anthropologists often keep records of all the evidence they find during an investigation, including details like where it was found and what condition it was in. This allows them to compare new evidence with old evidence and make accurate conclusions about the case.

SAS

Forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of scientific methods and procedures to analyze evidence, identify remains and determine the cause of death. They also use their skills in data collection and analysis to interpret forensic information and provide detailed reports for law enforcement agencies. Forensic anthropologists often work with other professionals like investigators and coroners to solve cases and find missing persons.

DNA Analysis

DNA analysis is the process by which forensic anthropologists identify and interpret genetic material. This skill allows them to determine whether biological samples are human, where those samples came from and what physical traits they represent. DNA analysis also helps forensic anthropologists match unidentified remains with missing persons or other evidence.

Taphonomy

Taphonomy is the study of how organisms decay and what effects that process has on surrounding materials. Forensic anthropologists use taphonomic skills to determine when a body was buried, where it may have been moved from and other details about its history. This information can help them identify human remains and provide insight into their cause of death or any circumstances surrounding their death.

ArcGIS

Forensic anthropologists use geographic information system (GIS) software to create maps of crime scenes and other areas where they may find human remains. They also use GIS to analyze the locations of recovered bones, which can help them determine if the bones came from a single individual or multiple individuals.

The ability to use ArcGIS is important for forensic anthropologists because it allows them to create detailed maps that can be used in court as evidence.

Skeletal Analysis

A forensic anthropologist’s ability to analyze skeletal remains is an important skill for this job. They use their knowledge of anatomy and the human body to determine age, gender, race and other physical characteristics about a person from their bones. This can help them identify bodies or provide information about someone who has been deceased for some time.

Analytical Skills

Forensic anthropologists use their analytical skills to examine and interpret data. They analyze the remains of a body, including its age, sex, race and any other physical characteristics that can help them identify it. Forensic anthropologists also analyze evidence at crime scenes to determine what happened and who was involved.

Organization

Organization is the ability to keep track of files, paperwork and other resources. As a forensic anthropologist, you may need to organize your research materials as well as any physical evidence that you find during an investigation. This can include keeping track of where each piece of evidence was found so that it can be properly returned when the investigation is complete.

Attention to Detail

Forensic anthropologists must be able to pay close attention to detail when examining human remains. They need to record all of their observations accurately so that they can provide law enforcement with the information they need to solve a case. For example, forensic anthropologists may examine bones and note if there are any breaks or cracks in them. This type of observation is important because it can help investigators determine how someone died.

Communication

Communication is the ability to convey information in a way that others can understand. Forensic anthropologists use their communication skills when interacting with law enforcement, medical examiners and other members of their team. They also need strong written communication skills because they often create reports detailing their findings.

Osteology

Osteology is the study of bones and how they function. Forensic anthropologists use their knowledge of osteology to identify human remains, determine a person’s age at death and other information about a body. This skill requires attention to detail as well as an understanding of how the body works.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS is a system that allows forensic anthropologists to use maps and other geographic information. This can be useful when they’re trying to find the location of remains or if they need to determine where certain features are in relation to each other. For example, if an anthropologist needs to know how far apart two different sets of remains were found, GIS can help them figure it out.

Facial Reconstruction

Facial reconstruction is the process by which a forensic anthropologist can create an image of what a person’s face may have looked like before death. This skill allows them to provide law enforcement with images of persons of interest, which can help investigators narrow down their search for suspects. Facial reconstruction also helps forensic anthropologists identify remains and determine age, gender and ancestry.

Problem Solving

Problem solving is the ability to identify and resolve issues. As a forensic anthropologist, you may encounter challenges in your work that require problem-solving skills. For example, if you’re examining human remains and need to determine their age at death, you might use problem-solving skills to find evidence of developmental stages or estimate an age range based on other factors.

Observation

Forensic anthropologists use observation skills to notice details about the remains they examine. This can include noticing any patterns in how a body was buried or clues that someone may have tampered with the scene before investigators arrived. Observation also helps forensic anthropologists identify important information, such as noting if a skull has been artificially deformed.

How Can I Learn These Forensic Anthropologist Skills?

There are a few ways to learn the skills necessary to become a forensic anthropologist. One way is to take courses offered by universities or colleges that have forensic anthropology programs. Another way is to attend workshops and seminars offered by professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Forensic Sciences. Finally, many of the skills necessary for forensic anthropology can be learned through on-the-job training.