World's first forensic jeweller graduates for fifth time from Scots university

dailyrecord.co.uk:

The world's first forensic jeweller has graduated for the fifth time from Dundee University.Dr Maria Maclennan can now reconstruct the face of a deceased person, from minor injuries to skeletal remains, adding another technique to her skillset which previously saw her become the world’s first forensic jeweller.Having worked with international police, charities across the country and non-governmental organisations in Europe, Maria’s work sees her analyse jewellery from people who have died in disasters or attacks where identification can be difficult.Now she can also reconstruct a face using multiple different techniques including forensic photography, 3D scanning and physical modelling from as little as a bare skull. “It starts off with the science of anatomy”, Maria said. “We look at the different cranio facial landmarks and take measurements from the skull to estimate age and population affinity“Using more resources we can narrow down the biological sex, and then use these measurements to build up different facial muscles.“It always surprises me how much the face reconstructs itself.

By following the scientific standards and measurements, and layering the muscles onto each other, the face starts to emerge.”Maria has always been fascinated with combining art and science, within forensic work.

Originally from the Highlands, she moved to Dundee in 2006 to study an undergraduate degree in Jewellery and Metal Design at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD).Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send