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"I simply wanted to work with my supervisor. That and facilities such as the Centre for Forensic Research made SFU my only choice."
Elena Sierra-Serrano
Archaeology doctoral student in the Faculty of Environment
I am originally from Spain, where I got my BSc in Biochemistry. I also studied a Master in Forensic Science in Sweden, and have since made a transition into Forensic Anthropology.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
I simply wanted to work with my supervisor. That and facilities such as the Centre for Forensic Research made SFU my only choice.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
I work with human skeletal remains and for various reasons, the materials available for research are not always an accurate snapshot of reality. Yet, most methods used today in Forensic Anthropology were developed on top of these biases. With my research, I plan to improve current methods for the estimation of age-at-death in unidentified skeletal remains and make sure they are more inclusive and more robust overall.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
So far I have been very excited about the possibilities for professional development that circulate across the university. I have really enjoyed participating in the 3 Minute Thesis competition, obtaining the Certificate in University Teaching and Learning, and refining my science communication skills. I would not have been able to benefit from those opportunities if I wasn't an SFU student.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
I was awarded CTEF Graduate Fellowship, and Jack Nance Memorial Graduate Scholarship.
Contact : elena_sierra@sfu.ca