Forensic Anthropology, Biological Profile Estimation, Craniofacial Growth and Development

Dr. Lesciotto’s research focuses on forensic anthropology. Her current research projects and interests include: (1) Sex estimation from unidentified skeletal remains. This project is currently co-funded by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute of Justice and aims to explore metric and morphological variation throughout the entire human skeleton by collecting data from modern, documented skeletal collections in the US. Novel statistical models are being explored to integrate multiple data types, with the long-term goal of developing a freely available software program that can estimate sex with high statistical confidence and avoid the need to combine results from multiple methods using disparate statistical models. (2) Biomechanics and interpretation of skeletal trauma. Dr. Lesciotto is currently developing research projects to study fracture initiation, fracture propagation, and forensic fractographic characteristics related to blunt force skeletal trauma. These projects will involve experimental bending models, high-speed videography, and medical imaging to improve interpretations of skeletal trauma in medicolegal investigations. (3) Intersection of forensic anthropology and the US legal system. Dr. Lesciotto’s interest mainly focuses on the Daubert standard for the admissibility of expert witness evidence and how this standard has affected the field of forensic anthropology. This relationship is explored through multiple perspectives, including the direct effect on admissibility determinations for testifying forensic anthropologists and downstream effects on how forensic anthropology research is conducted and reported in the peer-reviewed literature. In addition to her research, Dr. Lesciotto is a practicing forensic anthropologist. She has provided consulting services for several counties within Texas and works with external agencies and institutions to provide training to students, educators, and law enforcement officers.