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SUZANNA MICHENER 

SIMON FRASER UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF CRIMINOLOGY
CENTRE FOR FORENSIC RESEARCH

CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
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About Me

I am a PhD student in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University. My doctoral project at the Centre for Forensic Research focuses on three-dimensional bone histomorphometry for adult age estimation.

My other research interests include GIS applications of bone microstructure; prenatal and epigenetic influences on behaviour and crime; personality disorders and sexual offending; international crimes and genocide; wrongful convictions due to improper forensic evidence; and mental health, drug addiction, and crime.

Additional information available on my CV.

The School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University is a world leader in criminology and criminal justice education and research. As a student, I have incorporated my background in human biology into several criminological research projects, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of both living criminals and their deceased victims. 

Research Projects

Bone Histology

My doctoral research focuses on re-assessing methods of adult age estimation in the forensic context using bone histomorphometry.

In collaboration with Dr. Lynne Bell, Centre for Forensic Research, SFU.

GIS Applications

As part of my doctoral research I am mapping bone micro-architecture three-dimensionally using GIS techniques to quantify histological structures.

In collaboration with Dr. Nadine Schuurman, Department of Geography, SFU.

Epigenetics and Crime

This theoretical research examines how early developmental risk factors may cause epigenetic modifications in young offenders.

In collaboration with Dr. Raymond Corrado and the KD-Bear Project, School of Criminology, SFU.

Personality Disorders

This research examines the relationship between personality disorders and developmental factors, with different types of sexual offending.

In collaboration with Dr. Eric Beauregard, Centre for Research on Sexual Violence, SFU.

Forensic Assessment

This qualitative research analyzes historical and current forensic research to determine if it is complying with the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences report on the state of forensic science.