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Three Rivers Science Symposium

Octiber 14, 2011

Hosted by the departments of Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics in the School of Arts and Sciences

Current Symposium Topic

Chatting with Mummies;

A Forensic Archaelogy Approach

Director:  Dr. Andrea Geyer
Do mummies speak to us?....Well, not verbally, but an account of the world in which they lived lie deep within their burial customs, awaiting decipherment by scientists.  This symposium will explore the science of mummifiction and demonstrate many of the techniques  used to study mummified bodies.  Radiocarbon dating, gas chromatographic analysis, PCR and flame atomic absorption spectroscopy ae all techniques common to the field of modern Forensic Archaelogy used to study the deceased of antiquity.  You will have the opportunity to explore these techniques and others as we delve into the forensic chemistry behind conversing with mummies.

A Bird, a Fish, and a Human - Oh My!

Director:  Dr. Matt Hopf
Come to the 2011 Three Rivers Science Symposium and have the opportunity to work with USF biology department faculty dissecting these organisms and comparing their unique anatomy.  As part of the symposium each participant will have the opportunity to work inside the brand new USF cadaver lab!