Complex for Forensic Anthropology Research

• The current primary research focus at CFAR is on establishing and understanding the rate and pattern of decomposition in the unique southern Illinois environment. 
• A secondary, but equally important, research focus at CFAR is on replicating common clandestine body disposal circumstances and working to understand the processes of decomposition under different disposal circumstances and how the body disposal circumstance can be identified after skeletonization.
• The growing skeletal collection allows researchers to study modern human skeletal variation, trauma, and disease.

• CFAR offers non-credit Short courses on special topics in Forensic Anthropology. 
• CFAR offers one-day training courses to a variety of law enforcement agencies and interested professional organizations.
• The faculty of CFAR also offers traditional semester-long courses in forensic anthropology and forensic taphonomy through Anthropology.  Please see the Southern Illinois University Schedule of Classes for information on current and future term offerings.
• CFAR faculty also instruct and supervise graduate students pursuing both master’s and doctoral degrees in anthropology.

The faculty of CFAR offers forensic anthropological services to law enforcement, medical examiner offices, coroner offices, defense attorneys, and other agencies. We have the expertise and resources to assist with

1. Identification of human and non-human skeletal remains
2. The search for and recovery of human remains
3. Assessment of the biological profile (age, sex, ancestry, and height)
4. National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUS) case management
5. Identification and interpretation of skeletal trauma
6. Estimation of the postmortem interval
7. Court testimony

For information on associated fees or to request forensic anthropological services, contact Dr. Gretchen R. Dabbs (gdabbs@siu.edu or 618-305-0512).

CFAR faculty and students also conduct bioarchaeological projects ranging from excavation through complete osteological analysis of the human remains for cultural resource management firms, museums, and various state agencies. Please contact Dr. Gretchen R. Dabbs (gdabbs@siu.edu or 618-305-0512) for an estimate of our rates for your projects.

All consulting fees paid to CFAR support the research, educational, and service missions of the facility.

• The anatomical donation program provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute to science in a direct and meaningful way.
• Faculty and graduate students provide lectures to civic groups, school-age children, and the general public to promote science and disseminate our research results.  Please contact CFAR to arrange a lecture.

• The anatomical donation program provides an opportunity for individuals to contribute to science in a direct and meaningful way.
• Faculty and graduate students provide lectures to civic groups, school-age children, and the general public to promote science and disseminate our research results.  Please contact CFAR to arrange a lecture.

  Special Announcement Regarding COVID-19 Prevention Measures:

Due to the current worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 and uncertainty concerning its diagnosis and environmental persistence, to protect the health and safety of the faculty and students who work at CFAR, the anatomical donation program has been suspended indefinitely.

The Living Donor Body Donation Process

CFAR is currently unable to accept pre-arranged donations from living donors. Please continue to check this website for updated information. Until then, please discuss your wishes with your family and next-of-kin. Family and next-of-kin can currently donate your body after death through the Next-of-Kin Body Donation program. Please refer to the next section for information about making a next-of-kin donation.

The Next-of-Kin Body Donation (already deceased)

To donate the body of a deceased family member, complete the Body Donation Packet (PDF) and return it to the CFAR staff at Southern Illinois University. To initiate the donation process a faxed copy is acceptable, however we require the signed original be provided at the time body transfer. We also require a copy of the finalized death certificate. A copy of the death certificate or death certificate worksheet must be provided at the time of body transfer. In some situations, the death certificate is not ready at the time of donation and the final death certificate may be submitted later.

*CFAR does not have the capacity to transport individuals to our facility. Donors must arrange for transportation to CFAR through a funeral home or the county coroner. Cost associated with transportation is the responsibility of the donor and/or donor family.

We are greatly appreciative of any monetary donation you would like to make to CFAR. All monetary donations are used to support our research, education, and service missions. None of the money donated to CFAR is used to pay faculty salary or benefits. 

If you would like to make a monetary gift to CFAR, please contact us (gdabbs@siu.edu or 618-453-3298) so we can make the appropriate arrangements for the funds to be directed into the CFAR-specific account.