FBI training hosted on Radford University campus
The Artis College of Science and Technology’s Forensic Science Institute (RUFSI) hosted advanced forensic training for the FBI on Radford University’s campus from July 29-31.
RUFSI Co-Directors Cliff Boyd, Ph.D., and Donna Boyd, Ph.D., taught 14 members of the Richmond-based FBI Evidence Response Team. This three-day training session included classroom instruction on identification and analysis of human remains and the application of forensic anthropology casework to death investigations. Selu Conservancy field exercises focused on search, recovery and mapping of human remains from mock crime scenes.
“It was a joy teaching these already quite knowledgeable professionals, who approached the training opportunity with great eagerness to learn,” said Donna Boyd. “The training experience also served to further develop the collaborative working relationship between the FBI and the RUFSI, already established through prior work together on forensic scenes across the Commonwealth.”
FBI Agents learned proper techniques for identification, mapping and recovery of forensic scenes. They engaged in hands-on laboratory exercises for identifying and differentiating human remains from non-human remains, establishing the biological profile and identifying human remains in a death investigation. Agents were also trained to evaluate and differentiate antemortem, perimortem and postmortem processes affecting human decedents using RUFSI instrumentation and collections.
“The FBI training was one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve had at Radford so far,” said Aubree Marshall, a senior anthropology major and teaching assistant for the course.
Throughout the training session, Marshall received advice and encouragement from the agents regarding FBI internship opportunities.
“It was amazing being able to share my knowledge of osteology and anthropology that I’ve gained at Radford University with these professionals,” Marshall said. “I also had the chance to learn more about the FBI, which opened my eyes to several potential opportunities that I have for the future.”
