Advanced Human Remains and Recovery: Humanitarian Forensic Science
Human Remains Recovery in Lesvos, Greece
This course is a collaborative workshop hosted by the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State and the University of Crete on the island of Lesvos in Greece.
The aim of this course is to instruct graduate students and professionals on advanced methods of forensic archaeology in humanitarian contexts. It is meant to build off of our Human Remains Recovery Course which is offered in San Marcos, TX twice annually.
Course Information
Field Activities will occur daily M-F on Lesvos from 6am-2pm.
Field methods will include:
Excavation of burials
Basic data collection of skeletal material including inventories and taphonomic changes
Photogrammetry
Laser scanning
Cemetery survey techniques
GPS mapping and database management
The course will be offered in a hybrid format with synchronous lectures offered online prior to the field course at mutually agreed upon times the week of June 7th, 2027.
The lectures prior to the field experience will cover the following:
Review of human osteology including subadult morphology and dentition (3hrs)
Forensic archaeology (1hr)
Advanced mapping methods including the use of GPR, resistivity, GPS, photogrammetry, and laser scanning (2hrs)
Humanitarian forensic action in Greece (2hrs)
What is included:
Travel from the Mytilene City Center to and from the excavation site daily
Hydration and snacks on site daily
Synchronous online instruction
Field instruction
Closing dinner on wednesday June 30th.
ACCOMMODATION ON THE ISLAND AND TRANSPORTATION TO THE ISLAND ARE NOT INCLUDED.
Course Instructors
Dr. Sophia Mavroudas, Associate Director - FACTS
Dr. Nicholas Herrmann, Professor of Anthropology at TXST
Dr. Lauren Meckel, Forensic Anthropologist - FACTS
Dr. Despoina Flouri, Resident Doctor in Forensic Medicine, University of Crete
Dr. Elena Kranioti, Associate Professor of Forensic Medicine, University of Crete
Application Information
Workshop Dates: June 21-30, 2027
Time: 6:00 - 14:00 daily M-F only
Tuition: $1200 USD/participant
Location. Mytilene, Lesvos, Greece
You may apply to participate in the workshop by clicking the button below. If accepted, you will be sent payment information and a link for payment. Payment is acceptable through credit card with a fee or e-check.
Applicants MUST have demonstrated knowledge of human osteology to participate. Space is restricted. Applications will be accepted until space is filled, from there a waitlist will be started and filled in the order applications are received.
If you need assistance please contact Dr. Sophia Mavroudas at 512-245-1900 or FACTS@txstate.edu.
