Dr. Ellis R. Kerley devised a way to derive precise knowledge, often including positive identification from remains of bones. One technique - now known as the Kerley Method - involved mathematical analysis of data derived from cross-sections of fragments of long bones from the arms and legs. Dr. Kerley would take a cross-section of a bone fragment and look for areas of altered bone. Data from several areas of the bone can be entered into a computer and this would help in diagnosing age. 

The foundation was created to continue research in the field of forensic anthropology and to help students achieve academic excellence in this field. There are many projects planned to help the field of forensic research and we welcome your suggestions and proposals.

Forensic anthropology is the application of the science of physical anthropology to the legal process. The identification of skeletal, badly decomposed, or otherwise unidentified human remains is important for both legal and humanitarian reasons. Forensic anthropologists apply standard scientific techniques developed in physical anthropology to identify human remains, and to assist in the detection of crime. Forensic anthropologists frequently work in conjunction with forensic pathologists, odontologists, and homicide investigators to identify a decedent, discover evidence of foul play, and/or the postmortem interval. In addition to assisting in locating and recovering suspicious remains, forensic anthropologists work to suggest the age, sex, ancestry, stature, and unique features of a decedent from the skeletal remains.