Dr David Errickson

Background

I am a senior lecturer in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology at Cranfield's Forensic Institute, Cranfield University. 

My background is predominantly in traditional archaeology, having studied at Bradford University where I was awarded a BSc Archaeology and a Diploma in Professional Archaeological Studies. During this time I worked as a field archaeologist with Tees Archaeology. Excavations included Street House Farm, Loftus; Catcote's Roman Site, Hartlepool; and Captain Cook's Birthplace, Middlesbrough.

I went back to Bradford University to undertake a MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Investigation where my thesis focused on the application of 3D imaging and its application to the forensic decomposition process. Comparing Laser scanning to traditional imaging techniques I graduated with a distinction. I was then offered to undertake my PhD at Teesside University in Forensic Anthropology. This was funded by EWS Education Fund. At the same time as my PhD I lectured part-time in forensic science. 

In 2017 I was employed as a full-time lecturer in forensic science before moving to Cranfield's Forensic Institute in 2018. My modules include:

• Mass Fatality Incidents
• Practical Archaeology Excavation

I have also undertaken my post-graduate certificate in learning and teaching in higher education (PgCLTHE).

Research opportunities

I am interested in the application of three-dimensional imaging to the forensic archaeological and anthropological process. This includes the documentation of evidence at scenes and the use of multi-dimensional imaging in the courtroom. I have strong links with FARO scanning, and continually offer advice on imaging in forensic science and the police.

I am also interested in any archaeological based work - in particular post-medieval excavations, animal scavenging, transgender and drug changes to the skeleton, and trauma applied to the body.

My current PhD students include: 

Rebecca Strong (Teesside University), The Application of Geometric Morphometric Analysis to the Identification Process of Unknown Individuals.

Stephanie Giles (Cranfield University), Post-mortem interval estimations in Forensic Anthropology and Pathology

Angelina Longo (Cranfield University), Automating the estimation of Age and Sex for skeletalised remains

Cathryn Harvey (Cranfield University), Investigating the Death-Watch Beetle Infestation on HMS Victory 

Lara Indra (University of Bern), Forensic Anthropology and Scavengers

Sarah Morgan (Cranfield University), The Role of Forensic Anthropology in Post Conflict Societal Stability in Middle Eastern Conflicts Involving Human Rights Abuses. 

Current activities

3D Imaging,

I am currently exploring the effect of using 3D printed models within the courtroom. In particular, whether they have a negative or positive effect on the jury. Likewise, I am interested in 3D images and virtual reconstruction of crime scenes and of bone fragments within the skeleton.

Animal scavenging,

I currently have a collaboration with several zoos and aquariums around the UK. I am creating a database of the animal induced changes to bone as a result of scavenging and consumption. I am particularly interested in distinguishing the differences between cats and dogs, and the effects of birds on the body.

Forensic anthropology, 

I am particularly interested in how gender reassignment may change the body and skeleton for the purpose of identification.

Forensic Archaeology

The application of archaeology in the recovery of conflict casualties.

Clients

I am currently a board member for Cranfield's Recovery and Identification of Conflict Casualties (CRICC). Through this, I have an ongoing partnership with the Defense Prisoner of War / Missing in Action Accounting Agency. In this partnership mostly we deploy to try and recover missing U.S servicemen that died in the Second World War. 

Publications

• Articles in journals
• Books