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Senior conducts research project in forensic anthropology
By Britney Nowak
On September 26, 2012
While most people go to the beach over the summer, senior anthropology major Jessica Stabell decided
to spend her summer doing a research project unique to the Buffalo area through the Undergrad
Summer Research Fellowship.
Stabell conducted an experiment meant to determine an Accumulated Degree-Day index to observe
the rate of tissue decay using average daily temperature. Contrary to popular belief, however, Stabell's
research had nothing to do with dinosaur bones. Her project involved forensic anthropology, the study
of skeletal remains in legal context. In other words, the determination of how long someone has been
dead for police investigations.
Stabell studied the decomposition of a pig carcass in Western New York where similar research has
not been conducted before. She placed the carcass in a crate from May 30 until July 15 and studied
the various levels of decomposition. She went to check on the pig every day at a certain time for eight
weeks while taking meticulous data to determine an ADD index to the specifications of that area based
upon her research. Each study of ADD is dependent upon the area and the time of year. Other methods
used to measure time since death were not accurate after 24 hours.
So, why did Stabell decide to do this over her summer vacation?
"It's what I absolutely love doing." she said. "I love researching the decomposition processes."
While checking in on a decomposing pig may be too graphic for some, Stabell said growing up on a farm
helped.
"I've always lived with the decomposition processes," she said. "It's never bothered me."
Stabell's mentor for this project was Julie Wieczkowski, assistant professor in the Anthropology
Department. In discussing her role in Stabell's research, Wieczkowski said, "It really is her own project. I
was just here for guidance."
Stabell said she plans to do another experiment to determine an ADD index for the fall as her next
research topic. She is also going to present her research at the Student Research and Creativity
Celebration and the American Association of Physical Anthropologists in Knoxville, Tenn.
Stabell and Wieczkowski both highly recommend for students to get involved in the Undergrad Summer
Research Fellowship.
"It's a wonderful opportunity to do your own research," Stabell said.
She also said that it's valuable in figuring out what one wants to do later on in their career.
According to the undergraduate research website, several opportunities exist for students interested
in participating in a research program, including programs that fund research material and travelling
expenses.
"The research program is a great opportunity for students to do a detailed project." Wieczkowski
said. "It is of a different caliber than research during the semester."
Britney Nowak can be reached by email at nowak.record@live.com.
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