Virtual laboratories: Using Pedestal 3D to Teach Forensic Osteology

Synopsis

Online teaching presents many challenges, none more pronounced perhaps than teaching traditional face to face specialised laboratory units. To address this challenge, we created 3D models from specimens in our collection to teach human and animal bone identification virtually – a world first, and now in its 4^th iteration in archaeology at UNE. In this brief demonstration, you will be taken through the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching a hands-on skill virtually. Using 3D models of a human cranium, you will participate in a human osteology lab and learn some basic skills in human forensic identification, including how to determine the sex, age and ethnic background of an individual, all without physically handling one bone.

Bio – Dr Melania Fillios

Dr Melanie Fillios is an anthropological archaeologist interested in the human-animal-environmental nexus over time, especially in the context of foodways and environmental sustainability. Melanie applies behavioural ecology to human-animal relationships to understand changes in subsistence, economics and social organization in human history. Melanie’s current research in Australian archaeology encompasses aboriginal and historic contexts and examines the human-dingo relationship and the socio-environmental impacts of sheep. She has worked on archaeological projects in the United States, Europe and Australia, and direct the Australian Centre for Domesticate and Commensal research (ACDCr). Melanie is also the Associate Director of the Paphos Theatre Archaeological Project, Cyprus, with the University of Sydney.