Most Notable Forensic Scientists to Date

Forensic science has become a lot more popular in the last decade thanks to TV shows like CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Law and Order, and Dexter, so it stands to reason that there are an increasing number of students who want to study the subject. What these students don’t realize is that there are real life role models they should know about before they make a decision based on the media’s portrayal of this field. The following are five of the most famous forensic scientists to date.

Joseph Bell

Joseph Bell was a forensic pathologist in the 19^th and 20^th century, when the field was rarely used to actually solve crimes. He was more of a teacher than a forensic scientist. He taught his ways of observation at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, which he originally learned from his great-grandfather, Benjamin Bell. His ability to observe small details are legendary. In fact, many have told stories of how Bell gathered the tiniest bits of information and be able to better understand that person because of that information. For example, he would conclude where a person may work because of the calluses on his hands. Arthur Conan Doyle, author of the Sherlock Holmes, is said to have based this character on Bell after meeting him in 1877. His ways of observation to understand behavior are still studied and used by forensic pathologists today.

Henry Lee

You probably recognize this man’s name because has taken part in many high profile cases, including the JonBenet Ramsey case and the O.J. Simpson Case. He was also accused of accidentally destroying and hiding evidence in the Phil Spector case. His role in all of these controversial cases has made him one of the most well-known forensic experts today. He currently serves as a faculty member at the University of New Haven, and he established the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice & Forensic Sciences and the Henry C. Lee Institute of Forensic Science on that campus.

William Bass

William Bass was best known for his uncanny ability to identify human remains. He was a professor that the University of Tennessee, where he founded the Forensic Anthropology Research Facility and served as a professor. This facility is referred to as the “Body Farm”, which is where author Patricia Cornwell came up with the idea for her crime novel with the same name. Bass’s research on human decomposition and human osteology draw in students from around the world.

Sara Bisel

Sara Bisel was more interested in studying information and uncovering clues from the far past than more recent crimes. For example, she played a key role in researching Herculaneum, which was the town destroyed when Mount Vesuvius erupted. Her work associated with health and nutrition (i.e. understanding stomach contents and the overall health of a victim) is considered to have advanced the forensic anthropology field immensely.

William Maples

William Maples was yet another forensic anthropologist, made famous for his consultations on the remains of victims. He worked in the Florida Museum of Natural History, and wrote the book Dead Men Do Tell Tales: The Strange and Fascinating Cases of a Forensic Anthropologist. Maples also took part in solving many unsolved cases throughout the years. He identified the remains of Joseph Merrick (also known as the Elephant Man), and studied the remains of the dead family of Czar Nicholas II.

By Aileen Stillman

Aileen Stillman is the creator of Bachelor of Science.org a site devoted to educating readers about their opportunities should they decide to get a Bachelor of Science degree. She enjoys writing articles about education, forensics, and science in general.