Department Chair
M. Scott Goodman, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry
Date of Award
5-2018
Access Control
Open Access
Degree Name
Forensic Science, M.S.
Department
Chemistry Department
Department Home page
http://chemistry.buffalostate.edu
First Reader
M. Scott Goodman, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry
Second Reader
Melanie M. Mayberry, Ph.D., Lecturer in Anthropology
Third Reader
Douglas A. Ridolfi, M.S., Lecturer in Chemistry and Coordinator of Forensic Chemistry Programs
Abstract
The Anthropology Department at Buffalo State has three human skeletons that have been part of the department’s collection for several years. The origin of the skeletons is currently unknown. Modern DNA techniques coupled with forensic anthropological techniques may now allow us to determine with some certainty the geographic origin of the skeletons. Ancestry, sex, age, and stature were assessed using current anthropological techniques. Afterwards, one tooth from each of the three skeletons was extracted, pulverized and DNA was isolated. Y-STR fragment size analysis of the DNA samples can provide information about the patrilineage of male individuals. Mitochondrial DNA sequencing analysis can provide information about the matrilineage of the individuals. All of the individuals appear to be two males and one probable female of Eurasian ancestry, ranging in stature from 5’3” to 5’8”, and all estimated to be over 30 years old at time of death.
Recommended Citation
Sinnott, Jefferson P., "A Forensic Investigation into the Possible Origins of Three Human Skeletons" (2018). Forensic Science Theses. 14.
https://digitalcommons.buffalostate.edu/forensic_science_theses/14
Included in
Biological and Physical Anthropology Commons, Forensic Science and Technology Commons, Other Genetics and Genomics Commons
