Forensic Sciences and Forensic Anthropology/archaeology

IOLANDA CUNHA

Praceta de São João, N* – * Direito. 2005-169, Santarem, Portugal

Date of Birth: 4th July, 1990; Email: **************@*****.***; Tel: +351-*********

Career aim: I aim to use my knowledge of forensic/physical anthropology and my ability to learn quickly

and accomplish tasks in a timely manner to improve my skills in th is field. My self-motivation, commitment

and determination have always helped me achieve my goals and will continue to do so.

Education

2012-2013 University of Central Lancashire MSc Forensic Anthropology 2:1 (Merit)

The Expert Witness in Legal Process Forensic Anthropology: Methods & Context

Developmental Anatomy Forensic Taphonomy

Research Methods Crime Scene Investigation & the

Anthropologist

Practical skills gained

Knowledge of skeletal analysis (including human embryology) and methods of human identification

utilising a lab-based focus on the estimation of age, sex, stature, and race and the identification of

skeletal trauma and pathology;

Recognition of the process and sequence of human decomposition, as well as the burial and

surface dispersal of human remains;

Acquaintance with the role of the forensic anthropologist at a crime scene;

Acquaintance with archaeological methodology involved in mass grave excavations;

Increased communication skills and training in expert witness testimony

Research Project. “Characteristics of Full and Partial Penetrating Screwdriver Trauma to the

Cranium”. This project taught me how to manage a project and my own time, to take initiative and work

with great care and attention to detail but also to distinguish what is realistically practicable. Moreover, it

taught me how to plan and organise a complex piece of work (organizational skills), managing, retrieving/

analysing data, to think logically and scientifically, to be able to solve problems quickly and to statistically

analyse data and write a detailed analytical report. This experience also allowed me to develop my capacity

to work under pressure.

2011-2012 University of Sciences and Technology Coimbra Post Graduate Certificate in Forensic Anthropology

15 (20 max.)

• Human Osteology • Genetics

• Forensic Odontology • Forensic Entomology

• Biologic Profile Evaluation • Traumas Evaluation

2008-2011 Superior Institute of Health Sciences of Egas Moniz BSc (Hons) Forensic Sciences and Criminal

Investigation 14 (20 max.)

Biology and Molecular Biology Forensic Anthropology

Biochemistry Forensic Microbiology

General Anatomy Physiology and Post-Mortem Processes

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

20th June, 2013: Completion of a Facial Reconstruction as part of a classmate’s masters dissertation.

22nd – 24th April, 2013: Served as Exhibits’ Manager on a Mass Grave Excavation Scenario (University

assessment).

13th March, 2013: Served as a Crime Scene Investigator on a CSI Outdoor Scene Exercise (University exercise).

September, 2012 – April, 2013: Performed three examinations on skeletal remains and produced respective

reports (University assessment).

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IOLANDA CUNHA

2nd – 13th July, 2012: Participation on an archaeological dig in the Castel of Montemor-O-Novo (Portugal).

ADDITIONAL TRAININGS

25th April, 2013: Attendance of a Post-Mortem Examination (The Royal Liverpool Hospital Mortuary).

13th/14th July, 2012: Post Graduate Training Course on “Medico-Legal Skills in Forensic Anthropology” at

the University of Sciences and Technology of Coimbra.

15th June, 2012: Participation on the II International Meetings of Forensic and Criminal Sciences, “Forens ic

Perspectives on security – documents, drugs of abuse and terrorism” at Egas Moniz.

27th/28th November, 2009: Workshop in Forensic Digital Photography at Egas Moniz.

10th March, 2009: Symposium on “Forensic and Medico-Legal Skills and Criminal Investigation” at Egas

Moniz.

OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE

February 2012-May 2012 Primary school Instructor AEF, Santarém

I was responsible for the education (English/Sports) and welfare of children between the ages of 6 and 10;

balancing tasks and creatively and resourcefully working with the equipment available.

November 2011-January 2012 Shop Saleswoman Decathlon, Santarém

I was in charge of ordering, stocking and organizing the products in store; customer relation and effective

communication; stock management through regular inventories.

Additional skills

Attention to detail: my success on the crime scene analysis modules, of my undergraduate degree, relied

on my thoroughness and ability to spot even the smallest element improving my attention to detail.

Creativity and Practicability: across my academic journey I found myself with low resources and

adversities where I had to rely on my creativity and quick-thinking, e.g. during my dissertation project I had

to improvise labels and tags, during crime scene analysis recovery of certain items were done with simple

day-to-day material.

Enthusiasm and willingness to learn: my interest in this field started with my degree but has grown since

then. I am very keen to develop my understanding and acquire new skills through employment.

Team Work: 11 years on a basketball team has taught me how to function well within a team while doing

my part and helping others. I was a team member and Exhibits’ Manager during the Mass Grave

Excavation Scenario.

Communication skills & Languages: excellent verbal communication skills acquired due to previous job

as an instructor and through several oral presentations during my academic path. I speak fluent Portuguese

and English and basic Spanish. I have a 7.5 IELTS score and a Grade C in the Certificate of Proficiency in

English.

Laboratory skills: the use of delicate and complex equipment throughout my laboratory experience

qualified me to operate several types of machinery such as microscopes, GC/MS spectrometer, PCR

apparatus, DNA kits, centrifuges, etc.

IT: proficient in using Office™ (Word™, Excel™ and PowerPoint™) and statistical packages such as “R”,

evident on my research dissertation project. Typing speed of 60 wpm per minute.

Memberships, Presentations & Interests

Student affiliate, Physical Anthropology section, of the American Academy of Forensic Science (AAFS). My

dissertation project was accepted by the AAFS and I presented a poster at the 66th annual conference. I enjoy a

variety of sports, Sudoku and traveling.

Referees Peter Cross (********@*****.**.**) and Dr. Tal Simmons (**********@*****.**.**). Full references on

request.

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