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t m c » p u l s e | d e c e m b e r 2 0 1 5 8 8 to providing support to the medical examiner at autopsy. Through in-depth scientific analysis, they seek facts pertaining to the death and provide a name to the unknown. Harris County's forensic anthropology team consists of four Ph.D.-level anthropologists, as well as a rotating cast of post-doctorate fellows who generally work in the department for a year, and a grant-funded student research anthropologist. As a small team serv- ing a vast community, the forensic anthropologists see many busy days. "There is a great need for anthropology work in Harris County; our office and county officials are very progressive in the sense that they recognize the need for this forensic sub-specialty and the type of casework where we can add value," said Christian Crowder, Ph.D., director of forensic anthropology. A typical day for the forensic anthropology team begins with a meeting during which cases are assigned to Harris County forensic pathologists. If one of the cases requires an anthropological analysis, an anthropologist is also assigned to the case. "We have a rotating on-call schedule," said Sharon Derrick, Ph.D., a forensic anthropologist and identi- fication manager. "If, during the day or night, there is a death scene that requires an anthropologist, our investigators will call the anthropologist on call to assist with recovery." Derrick noted that the anthropologist who helps with recovery at the scene is not necessarily assigned to that same case going forward. This ensures that whoever works on the case will be blind to the circum- stances and any information that could influence Identifying the Unknown A team of anthropologists lend scientific expertise to Harris County law enforcement B y S h e a C o n n e l l y It's very gratifying to be able to use my training to provide a name and a face to a person. — SHARON DERRICK, PH.D. Forensic Anthropologist and Identification Manager for Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences' Forensic Anthropology Division W hen a sudden death occurs in a metropolitan area the size of Harris County—over four mil- lion people living within 1,778 square miles—a diverse team of experts is essential to determine the cause and assist law enforcement in solving the case. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences' Forensic Anthropology Division is a vital branch of that team. When a call for assistance comes from the Institute's forensic investigators or medical examiner, these experts answer the call to action. They assist with everything from recovering skeletal remains at a crime scene and identifying unknown individuals Left: Forensic anthropologists Christian Crowder, Ph.D., and Sharon Derrick, Ph.D., help Harris County law enforcement determine cause of death, identify unknown persons and more. Right: Dwayne Wolf, M.D., Ph.D., deputy chief medical examiner for Harris County