FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Forensic Sciences Foundation Created

Family of the late Ellis R. Kerley, Forensic Anthropologist, create foundation for the continuing education of future anthropologists

July 10, 2000 -- In honor of the late Ellis R. Kerley, a nonprofit public benefit corporation (501C 3) has been established to continue research in the field of Forensic Anthropology. The foundation will focus on establishing scholarships and grants for study and research in the identification methods of skeletal remains to help identify age, sex, ancestry, stature, and unique features of decedents. Forensic anthropologists assist in crime scenes to help determine cause of death and identity of victim. 

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 area of altered bone. Data from several areas of the bone can be entered into a computer and this would help in diagnosing age. 

The Ellis Kerley Forensic Sciences Foundation will work on behalf and at the direction of the Board of Directors to reinforce the discipline of the science of anthropology while enhancing educational opportunities in the targeted university system through scholarship awards and enrichment programs for students who demonstrate, through academic excellence and leadership in their communities, their capacity for and commitment to making a difference in the field of forensic anthropology.