Forensic Anthropology student holds virtual event exploring the reality of forensic identification

Third year Forensic Anthropology student Eszti Somjai, with support from the University of Dundee’s Women in STEM society, has organised a virtual panel event, "Human vs Creature - An Evening of Comparative Anatomy". The event is open to anyone interested in learning more about human and functional anatomy.

The panel event was created as part of Eszti’s ongoing work for Equate Scotland as a Student Champion, but her passion goes further. As well as appealing to anyone interested in anatomy, she hopes the event will also act as an engaging extracurricular activity for those who may have missed out during the pandemic.

The topics covered during the panel event will touch upon modules and coursework included in undergraduate study at the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID) at University of Dundee. The audience will also be invited to take part in a live Q&A.

“Form and Function – Role of Morphology” will be delivered by Mr Luke Reid, which will explore overall shapes and sizes of bones of different species and how they adapt to the environment, mechanical forces, and lifestyle.

As investigators are often presented with fragmented parts, Dr Julieta Gomez Garcia-Donas’ session “Microscopic Difference between Species”, will show how microstructural properties can help identification even if the bone shape is not easily distinguishable. Additionally, Dr Gomez Garcia-Donas will give an insight into the reality of forensic identification.

“This event will highlight the reality of the investigation process and the audience will understand and appreciate the intense work that is put into every investigation,” said Eszti.

“I wanted to raise awareness of how delicate the work is and how many limitations there are when it comes to identifying human remains – the smallest mistake can lead to false hope or wrong conviction.”

Attendees of the event will also have the opportunity to take part in a thrilling virtual escape room created by Eszti. Players will have 30 minutes to find the clues, solve riddles (with a pun or two) to lead them to the key to open the room.

“I immediately felt that this will be a thrilling way to engage virtually that actively involves knowledge application!” exclaimed Eszti.

“Extracurricular activities reassured me of the path I chose - even if I was not directly learning about the discipline. First and second year students have missed out on the face-to-face taster sessions this year, because of Covid-19.”

“I know this event cannot replace these, but I wanted to set up this event to engage with my peers and bring together a community of learning.”