Areas of interest
Human osteology, ancient DNA, Forensic anthropology, Humanitarian forensics, Bioarchaeology
Education
- HBSc (with high distinction): Forensic Anthropology Specialist, University of Toronto
Introduction
I graduated in 2021 from the University of Toronto with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree, specializing in forensic anthropology. During my undergraduate studies, I conducted research exploring sharp force trauma using 3D microscopy, evolutionary patterns and population diversity in the human nasal region, and pedagogical approaches to science education.
Following graduation, I worked as a laboratory assistant at the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, where I supported forensic death investigations through the coordination of testing and storage for biological samples and evidence from post-mortem examinations. These experiences have led to my current graduate studies, where my focus is on forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.
Research
I am broadly interested in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology, with a particular focus on their application in humanitarian investigations, where violations of human rights may complicate the analysis of human remains. My Master’s research will explore the potential of recovering DNA of decomposing organisms from soil to detect the presence of burials in forensic and humanitarian contexts.
Research Groups
JUNO Group: http://www.sfu.ca/people/cardoso/juvenile-osteology-group---juno/people.html
Yang aDNA Lab: http://www.sfu.ca/~donyang/adnaweb/training.htm
Publications
Tran, Cathy & Lauren Schroeder. 2021. "Common Evolutionary Patterns in the Human Nasal Region across a Worldwide Sample," American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 176:3, 422-433.
Tran, Cathy. 2020. “The Craniometric Value of Foramen Magnum Length & Nasal Breadth: A Statistical Exploration of the Significance of Variation Across Sex & Populations”. Young Anthropology, 2, 29-42.
Conference Presentations
Tran, Cathy & Eugene Liscio. 2021. "The Quantification of Force from Incisions on Pig Rib Bones using 3D Microscopy" presented at the Centre for Forensic Research Annual Symposium, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia.
Tran, Cathy & Eugene Liscio. 2021. "The Quantification of Force from Incisions on Pig Rib Bones using 3D Microscopy" poster presented at the Canadian Society of Forensic Science (CSFS) Virtual Conference: Forensic Science, A World of Opportunities, Canada.
Tran, Cathy & Lauren Schroeder. 2021. “Variation in the human nasal region: adaptation or drift?” poster presented at Committee on Diversity Undergraduate Research Symposium, American Association of Physical Anthropologists 2021 Virtual Conference.
Tran, Cathy. 2021. "The Quantification of Force from Incisions on Pig Rib Bones using 3D Microscopy" presented at Forensic Science Day, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario.
Marchese, Ida, Khattar, Jayati, Tran, Cathy, Singh, Alvin, Laliberte, Nicole & Fiona Rawle. 2019. “Failing Forward: How can we teach our students to embrace our failure, and bounce back from it?” presented at The Western Conference on Science Education (WCSE): Beyond Content. Western University, London, Ontario.
Abbas, Maryem, Tran, Cathy & Ramsha Rehan. 2018. “Microcosm: The Educational Board Game” presented at Smarti Gras: Research Opportunity Project (ROP) Fair, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON.
