The 2024-25 Master of Science in Forensic Science seminar series continued Monday evening with a befitting topic given the time of year.
Dr. C.E. “Hoss” Moore, a forensic anthropologist with more than 40 years of experience in the field, delivered the presentation “Accounting for Prisoners of War/Missing in Action Servicemen From America’s Past Wars.” The presentation centered on how forensic anthropology has helped to identify and return the remains of veterans from various conflicts throughout our nation’s history.
Dr. Moore says over the last four decades several advancements in forensic science have helped to improve the the identification process, namely a growth in the field of forensic genetics.
Dr. Moore added that technological advancements have also helped to improve the process specifically facial reconstruction and facial imposition, also known as craniofacial superimposition, which is the process of comparing a skull to facial images to identify remains. KVOE News also asked Dr. Moore if his work ever becomes highly emotional.
He responded by saying it can be at times, however, he has to do his best to not “let it get” to him. That said, he tells KVOE News his work is often very rewarding.
Monday’s presentation was the second in the 2024-25 ESU Master of Science in Forensic Science Seminar which began October 14 and will continue through April 14. A full seminar schedule can be found online at Emporia.edu.
As mentioned above, Monday’s presentation comes at a fitting time with Emporia’s annual All Veteran Tribute activities beginning to ramp up this week which will include the repatriation of a Bushong soldier’s remains on Veterans Day. John Owen Herrick will be escorted from Omaha to Emporia’s Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home on Friday. Herrick will then be escorted from Roberts-Blue-Barnett to Maplewood Memorial Lawn Cemetery for burial and special services at 2:30 pm on Veterans Day
