Hello!
I am an Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC.
Diana Lynn Messer, PhD, D-ABFA
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST
Western Carolina University
Department of Anthropology & Sociology
Cullowhee, NC
828.227.2430
Photo: Mark Edwards
2020-Present
Assistant Professor
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
At WCU, I teach multiple undergraduate biological and forensic anthropology courses. I also consult on forensic anthropological cases in the area and I am looking to expand my research in pediatric fracture healing to include students.
2018-2020
Forensic Anthropologist
SNA INTERNATIONAL IN SUPPORT OF DPAA
I was employed as a forensic anthropologist for SNA International in support of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) for two years. My primary position was as a member of the Cabanatuan Project. The Cab Project represents DPAA’s effort to identify unknown service members from a POW prison camp cemetery in the Philippines. I also worked on forensic anthropology, commingled human remains, and material evidence reports.
2017-2018
Post-Doctoral Faculty
MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY
At Mercyhurst, I was involved in forensic anthropological casework in a leadership role, which consisted of anthropological analysis, report writing and review, and supervision of graduate and undergraduate students . I also taught several introductory and graduate level anthropology and anatomy courses, including Skeletal Trauma Analysis, Human Growth and Development, and Anatomy and Physiology.
EXPERTISE
I'M A
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST
I have worked on many forensic cases, including forensic archaeological recoveries, fatal fire scenes, and clandestine burials.
I'M A
FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST
I'M A
BIOLOGICAL
ANTHROPOLOGIST
I worked in CRM for nearly 10 years and have worked at archaeological and bioarchaeological sites in Connecticut, Peru, Oman, and Poland.
I'M A
BIOLOGICAL
ANTHROPOLOGIST
I'M AN
ANATOMIST
I am trained in gross anatomy, embryology, histology, and neuroanatomy. I have also had courses in radiographic anatomy and anatomical eduction.
I'M AN
ANATOMIST
I'M AN
EDUCATOR
I have taught professional, graduate, and undergraduate courses at multiple academic institutions. I also have taught short courses and invited lectures.
I'M AN
EDUCATOR
EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
2013-2019
Doctoral Degree
THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
Division of Anatomy, College of Medicine
2011-2013
Master's Degree
MERCYHURST UNIVERSITY
Department of Applied Forensic Sciences
Master's Thesis: Human Craniometric Sexual Dimorphism: Assessing Rensch's Rule and Its Implications for Forensic Classification (e-mail to request copy)
2006-2010
Bachelor's of Science Degree, with honors
SOUTHERN CONNECTICUT STATE UNIVERSITY
Department of Anthropology
RESEARCH
FORENSIC SERVICES
Biological Profile Analysis
Assessment of the biological profile including sex, age-at-death, ancestry, stature, and individualizing characteristics to assist in the identification process.
Skeletal Trauma Analysis
Assessment of antemortem and perimortem skeletal trauma including sharp force, high velocity, blunt force, and thermal alterations.
Forensic Archaeological Search & Recovery
Assessment of the biological profile including sex, age-at-death, ancestry, stature, and individualizing characteristics to assist in the identification process.
Determination of Forensic Significance
Assessment of human vs. non-human skeletal remains, and evaluation of medicolegal significance. Photos can be sent directly to dmesser@wcu.edu. Please include some type of scale (ruler,quarter, dollar bill).
Cold Cases
Assistance with, or re-examination of, cold cases involving human skeletal remains.
Training & Workshops
Training and workshops offered in all areas of forensic anthropology including laboratory and field methods.