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Heather McIlvaine-Newsad - November 1

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wium/local-wium-991802.mp3

Macomb, IL – Like a lot of people, I have been known to have a bit of an obsession with the TV show CSI. I have been watching it since it began and although there have been quite a few cast changes over the years; the 12th season seems to be off to a good start.

One of the things I like so much about the show is the science behind each story. And although Hollywood doesn't always get the science right -- for example dead bodies do not spurt out blood during autopsies -- for the most part what is depicted is scientifically accurate.

As a cultural anthropologist schooled in the four-field approach, I have just enough training in physical anthropology to know how incredibly complex understanding the human body is.

As a graduate student at the University of Florida I was fortunate enough to meet one of the pioneers of forensic anthropology, Dr. William Maples. Dr. Maples was the founder of CA Pound Lab which provides forensic anthropology services for medical examiners and coroners in the state of Florida.

The laboratory also trains anthropology graduate students and other professionals in the fields of medicine, medicolegal death investigation, and law enforcement.

One of the things that impressed me the most about Dr. Maples and his students was the combination of compassion, scientific rigor, and humor that they brought to their work. I vividly remember that Saturday in May of 1996 when ValueJet Flight 592 crashed into the Everglades shortly after take-off, killing all 110 people aboard.

Although ill with cancer at the time, Dr. Maples and his students took the case and helped identify the remains of the passengers who were killed in the crash. Dr. Maples' students have gone to help identify the remains of the victims of 911, countless wars, and other incidents.

While most of us won't have an opportunity to meet a forensic anthropologist or tour a forensic lab, we all have a chance to hear Dr. Gary Telgenhoff, forensic pathologist and consultant for CSI and Bones, on Monday, November 7th at 7:00pm in the Western Illinois University Union Grand Ballroom.

If he is like any of the forensic scientists I know, his lecture will surely be fascinating, entertaining and enlightening.

As the Forensic Pathologist and Medical Examiner for Clark County (Las Vegas), Nevada. Dr. Telgenhoff sees approximately 1,000 bodies in a year, 450 of which he autopsies. Of these cases, 45 are homicides. He is often asked to offer testimony in court with regard to his findings and determination of cause and manner of death.

I encourage all of you who enjoy the show CSI to come out and listen to one of the masterminds behind the science of the show. I hope to see you there!

Heather McIlvaine-Newsad is a Professor of Anthropology at Western Illinois University. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of WIU or Tri States Public Radio.