Medical casts set up during the Forensic Anthropology Lab opening. Credit: UT
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, officially opened its new Forensic Anthropology Laboratory, a facility dedicated to the scientific identification of missing persons, at a ribbon cutting on April 17. This expansion significantly increases the capacity of the Forensic Anthropology Center, enabling it to handle more human remains cases and support advancements in forensic science.
The new facility expands the footprint of the Forensic Anthropology Center’s William M. Bass Forensic Anthropology Building, enabling it to accept and efficiently process a greater number of cases from law enforcement and medical examiner agencies.
“We hope to build on the strong legacy of the Forensic Anthropology Center and expand our law enforcement and medical examiner partnerships both locally and nationally, strengthen our student training capabilities, and optimize our processes with the goal to assist in recovering, identifying and analyzing remains to provide answers to family members,” said Forensic Anthropology Center Director Giovanna Vidoli.
The center currently averages 30 human remains cases per year. The new facility will allow the center to triple its annual caseload and assist more agencies from around the country.
The 2,725-square-foot space features a large lab with six tables, a room where human remains are prepared for research and forensic analysis, and an evidence closet. A conference room gives staff a dedicated area to meet with investigators from partner agencies to discuss cases outside the secure lab. The room will be named for author Simon Beckett, a longtime supporter of the center.
Strengthening a mission of service
The increased capacity also creates expanded hands-on training opportunities for students and expand partnerships with agencies working to bring closure to unidentified human remains cases, strengthening the center’s mission of service to the community.
“Forensic anthropologists are called upon by law enforcement and medical examiners when human remains are in the most challenging of conditions,” said Professor of Anthropology and Director Emeritus of the Forensic Anthropology Center Dawnie Wolfe Steadman, “Through our work we help to restore a name to a missing person.”
Executive Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Robert Hinde said the new lab “adds to the legacy and foundation established by Professor Emeritus Bill Bass — who is with us here today — and the legion of UT-trained forensic anthropologists who continue to deliver a dramatic impact in this vital field.”
“This laboratory strengthens collaboration between law enforcement, researchers, students and forensic professionals,” said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brandon Elkins. “It ensures the next generation has the tools necessary to continue this important work — work that makes a difference not only in investigations but in people’s lives.”
Setting a national standard for excellence
For more than four decades, the Forensic Anthropology Center has built an international reputation for research and training in human decomposition and modern skeletal variation, anchored by its body donation program. The center’s Anthropology Research Facility and UT’s Donated Skeletal Collection support research and training for faculty and students as well as visiting students and professionals from around the world — advancing science while honoring donors and their families with compassion and respect.
Now the center is on track to become the first academic forensic anthropology lab in the U.S. to earn accreditation, setting a national standard for excellence. Accreditation ensures that the lab’s work meets international standards, giving law enforcement, medical examiners and the public confidence in its reliability and accuracy. Thanks to years of preparation, strong partnerships and advanced tools, the center is ready to take this important next step forward.
“This laboratory is not just a new facility — it’s a direct extension of the level of care and excellence Volunteers bring to everything we do,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “I’m excited to see our impact multiply, strengthening our ability to serve Tennessee and helping advance forensic science for generations to come.”
Republished courtesy of UT