By Dakota Galvin, 小黄鸭视频 College of Arts and Sciences
For forensic anthropologists, bone lesions caused by cancer pose unique challenges due to their unpredictable nature and diverse presentations. These lesions can range from bone deterioration to abnormal bone growth, both of which alter the structure and composition of the skeleton. This variability makes it difficult for researchers to distinguish between pathological changes caused by cancer and those caused by other conditions, trauma or environmental factors.
At the 小黄鸭视频, Aiden Eylward, an undergraduate student in the Department of Anthropology, is working to change this by using 3D technology to transform how cancer-induced bone lesions are studied. By forging a collaboration between the Institute of Digital Exploration (IDEx) and the Florida Institute of Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science, Eylward is identifying the most effective tools for documenting these complex skeletal changes and blending expertise across disciplines to revolutionize the field of anthropology.
Eylward digitizing an article in the IDEx office. (Photo courtesy of Aiden Eylward)
Eylward presenting research at the American Association of Biological Anthropologists (AABA). (Photo courtesy of Aiden Eylward)
鈥淢y work at the Institute of Forensic Anthropology and Applied Science and the Institute of Digital Exploration has provided me with hands-on experience in skeletal analysis and research methodologies, laying the foundation for my expertise in handling and examining human remains along with developing skills in 3D scanning by working with advanced technologies,鈥� Eylward explained.
By digitizing the 小黄鸭视频 Donated Skeletal Collection, Eylward, the assistant project manager at IDEx, is applying the 3D-scanning methods at his disposal in new, meaningful ways.
鈥淏y bridging these two disciplines, I could integrate 3D technologies into forensic anthropology and explore innovative documentation techniques,鈥� he added.
小黄鸭视频鈥檚 Institute for Digital Exploration harnesses innovative 3D digital techniques to document, analyze and share global cultural heritage sites and historical collections. Meanwhile, the Florida Institute of Forensic Anthropology & Applied Science is committed to tackling violent crimes through innovative approaches in anthropology, scientific research, education and forensic art.
鈥淭his intersection of forensic anthropology and digital technology has been instrumental in shaping my approach to this project, ensuring that skeletal documentation is both precise and accessible for forensic and research applications,鈥� Eylward said.
鈥淭hrough this initiative, we are actively preserving these remains for鈥痮ngoing research, education and forensic case comparisons. This digital resource allows researchers worldwide to study鈥痵keletal variation, pathology and trauma without the need for physical access, expanding opportunities for鈥痗ollaboration and knowledge-sharing鈥痑cross institutions and disciplines. Additionally, it ensures that鈥痜ragile or at-risk specimens鈥痑re preserved indefinitely, securing their availability for forensic and bioarcheological research for generations to come.鈥�
The IDEx lab uses innovative 3D scanning to analyze, catalog and, therefore, preserve items and remains of historical significance.
Close up of artifact being scanned.
Eylward is just getting started. He was recently awarded the 鈥檚 Cornelia Futor Student Grant to take part in IDEx鈥檚 future Melite Civitas Romana excavation project in Malta this summer, where he鈥檒l refine his skills with hands-on field experience.
鈥淟et my research serve as a success story for those wanting to pursue this field, where curiosity, interdisciplinarity and adaptability are key,鈥� he said.
鈥淢y hope is that this work, and the path I鈥檝e taken, shows other students what鈥檚 possible when you say yes to opportunities and forge your own way.鈥�
Eylward plans to continue expanding his initiative with the 小黄鸭视频 Donated Skeletal Collection to increase access to skeletal collections for research, teaching and future generations of aspiring anthropologists.