The world’s first forensic jeweller has graduated for the fifth time from Dundee University. Dr Maria Maclennan can now reconstruct the face of a deceased person, from minor injuries to skeletal remains, adding another technique to her skillset which previously saw her become the world’s first forensic jeweller.
Having worked with international police, charities across the country and non-governmental organisations in Europe, Maria’s work sees her analyse jewellery from people who have died in disasters or attacks where identification can be difficult. Maria has always been fascinated with combining art and science within forensic work. Now she can also reconstruct a face using a variety of techniques including forensic photography, 3D scanning, and physical modelling from as little as a bare skull.
“It starts off with the science of anatomy,” Maria said. “We look at the different craniofacial landmarks and take measurements from the skull to estimate age and population affinity. Using more resources, we can narrow down the biological sex, and then use these measurements to build up different facial muscles in the facial reconstruction process. It always surprises me how much the face reconstructs itself. By following the scientific standards and measurements, and layering the muscles onto each other, the face starts to emerge.”
Originally from the Highlands, Maria moved to Dundee in 2006 to study an undergraduate degree in Jewellery and Metal Design at the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD). She then completed a Masters degree in Design for Services at DJCAD, followed by a PGCert in Teaching in Higher Education at the University’s School of Education and Community Education. Maria then studied for a PhD in Design at DJCAD before pursuing her fifth course at the University, which was run collaboratively by DJCAD and the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID).
Maria praised Dundee for its unique position, combining expertise in life sciences and art, both with excellent reputations in their own right. She highlighted that Dundee is the only place in the world where one can pursue a university qualification in forensic art or facial reconstruction, making it truly unique.
Maria recently collected her Masters degree in Forensic Art and Facial Imaging at Caird Hall, Dundee, where more than 1800 students graduated this week at the University’s Winter Graduation ceremony. She was also awarded the Cromarty Arts Trust Artist Residency Prize and will collaborate with the Hugh Miller Museum and the National Trust for Scotland. In the future, Maria will work with the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeological Service to create craniofacial reconstructions based on skeletal remains excavated from St Giles and the surrounding area in Edinburgh.