The Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences’ next Distinguished Speakers Series guest will be Kathy Reichs on Feb. 6 at 7 p.m. in the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center.
Reichs is a forensic anthropologist, a bestselling novelist and a producer of “Bones” — a TV series loosely based on her own life and writings.
The event is hosted by Farquhar’s Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences. The lecture will relate to the 2012-2013 academic theme, “Life and Death.”
“I am looking forward to my visit to NSU and particularly look forward to meeting those majoring in biology, medical studies and law. Let’s talk bones!” Reichs said.
Dean Don Rosenblum, of the Farquhar College of Arts and Sciences, said, “Kathy Reichs brings diverse experience and insight. Her work in forensic anthropology is relevant to both social and biological sciences [and] her work as an author and producer is relevant to students in the humanities and arts.”
Reichs consulted the United Nations Tribunal on Genocide in Rwanda. Having served as a forensic anthropologist for the National Disaster Medical System, she worked to identify victims of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks a month after the national tragedy. She also worked to help unearth a Guatemalan grave.
Rosenblum said, “I believe, strongly, that Reichs’ lecture will be relevant to students in many fields, including law, criminal justice, sociology, and psychology, as well as biology, chemistry, forensic science, writing, art, film, communication studies, and so on. Her work presents a valuable look at critical issues in our current world.”
Davy Karkason, junior political science major, was always interested in anthropology and decided to minor in it. He enjoyed his field experience, similar to Reichs, working to identify remains.
He said, “I would love to learn from [Reichs’] experience on the field and further my own knowledge on the science of efficient analysis and identification.”
Reichs is originally from Chicago and earned her bachelor’s degree in anthropology from American University, a master’s and a doctorate in physical anthropology from Northwestern University, and an L.L.D. from Concordia University. Today, she is a professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of North Carolina – Charlotte.
She has authored close to 20 novels including a series for young adults. She has published numerous articles in Central Issues in Anthropology, Journal of Forensic Sciences, American Journal of Physical Anthropology, Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences, American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, Forensic Science International, and Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. She has also contributed chapters to books in the field of forensic anthropology, wrote three young adult novels, and edited three academic books, including “Forensic Osteology II: Advances in the Identification of Human Remains.”
In the past, Reichs lectured and presented workshops internationally at the White House, Smithsonian Institute, National Association of Women Judges, Mecklenburg Medical Association, International Association of Science Journalists, International Association of Foreign Correspondents, Cape Fear Crime Festival, numerous academic conferences and universities, among several others.
Reichs has previously served as Vice President of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology and the American Academy of Forensics Sciences and is a current member of the National Police Services Advisory Council in Canada. She serves as spokesperson for the Know My Bones Campaign for the National Osteoporosis Foundation and supports numerous charities and non-profit organizations, such as the Helping a Hero — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support to veterans severely injured while fighting with the United States armed forces.
Karkason said, “Even though you cannot learn everything in one day, I think her lecture can contribute to those interesting in the investigation and law enforcement field. She may also have a great influence on students considering anthropology.”
Although the event is free to attend and open to NSU students, faculty, and staff, tickets are required, limited to two per person, and will be available for pick up with an NSU ID on the second floor of the Mailman-Hollywood Building, in the Office of the Dean, beginning Jan. 28. For more information, call, 954-262-8236.
