Kristen M. Hartnett of Arizona State University Awarded 2004/2005 Scholarship

Graduate student’s research to improve skeletal aging techniques

Atlanta, GA August 16, 2004 -- The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to advance research and development in the field of forensic anthropological science, announced today they have awarded Kristen M. Hartnett at Arizona State University the Ellis R. Kerley Graduate Scholarship for the 2004/2005 academic year.  Ms. Hartnett was chosen based on her work to improve skeletal age estimates.

             “The foundation’s board of directors had a difficult decision this year with so many exceptional candidates working to improve forensic anthropological techniques and examination,” says Amy Moorhouse, president of the Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation.  “Ms. Hartnett’s was eventually chosen based on her outstanding educational performance and research project in the field of forensic anthropology.  We expect to see great things from this worthy student.”

             Hartnett is currently working on her PhD at Arizona State University.  Her dissertation will reevaluate skeletal aging techniques utilizing the pubic symphysis and sternal end of the fourth rib in a very large and diverse sample.   Her goal is to produce revisions of current aging standards that increase the reliability of techniques and, ultimately, improve age estimates produced in case reports.  Hartnett’s research will offer new sample specimens for anthropological study and provide an additional means for independent testing, especially when new technology and imaging techniques are available. 

             “As part of my dissertation research, I hope to utilize the three-dimensional digital laser scanning technology that is available at Arizona State University to produce a digitized database of pubic symphyses that can be accessed through computers and the Internet for class instruction and research,” says Hartnett.  “I think it is very important to create a second, more modern sample of pubic symphyses and sternal ribs to account for any secular changes in aging patterns.”  

             The Ellis R. Kerley Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to a graduate student who is continuing his or her education and research in forensic anthropology.  This year’s applicants were from several universities throughout the U.S., Canada and the U.K.

             The Ellis R. Kerley Forensic Science Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to advance research and development in the science of forensic anthropology by providing educational opportunities to universities and school systems around the country.  The foundation provides funding through grants and scholarships to members of the anthropology community in order to encourage education, progress and further advancements in this specialized science.