Jennifer Byrnes

Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology
Expertise: Anthropology, Bioarchaeology, Human Remains, Forensic Anthropology, Skeletal Biology, Personal Identification

Biography

Jennifer Byrnes is an expert in bioarchaeology (the study of archaeologically derived human remains) and forensic anthropology (modern/recent human remains). Her bioarchaeology work focuses on disability and impairment in humans in the past, particularly injuries resulting from trauma and/or pathology that leave changes on the bones. 

Her research in forensic anthropology centers on personal identification and the reliability of positive identifications made using medical imaging comparisons.

Byrnes' work has been published in numerous academic journals, including the Journal of Forensic Sciences and Archeological and Anthropological Sciences.

Education

  • Ph.D., Physical Anthropology, University of Buffalo
  • M.A., Physical Anthropology, University of Buffalo
  • B.S., Biology, SUNY College at Geneseo

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biology, history

Jennifer Byrnes In The News

Science Times
As its water level drops, multiple human remains have already been found in Lake Mead. Many believe that more are waiting to be discovered.
A.B.C. News
As environmental crises cause a Las Vegas reservoir to recede, a trail of bodies from decades past is revealed.
The Guardian
The remains have caused a public stir, but authorities say the falling water level due to the climate crisis is the real scandal
Insider
This year, as human-caused climate change steadily warms the planet, depleting bodies of water, melting ice, and strengthening storms exposed a bevy of lost treasures and forgotten stories.

Articles Featuring Jennifer Byrnes

Graduation surprise
Campus News | August 1, 2023

News stories from the summer featuring UNLV students and faculty.

Remember sculptor Claes Oldenburg who created U.N.L.V.'s iconic Flashlight sculpture this month.
Campus News | August 3, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting university experts’ insights on and contributions to health, environment, and society.

Lake Mead
Campus News | July 11, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting UNLV experts who made headlines locally, nationally, and around the world.

2022 U.N.L.V. Spring Commencement Ceremony for the Graduate College.  May 13, 2022 (Josh Hawkins/UNLV)
Campus News | June 2, 2022

A collection of news stories highlighting the experts and student changemakers at UNLV.