Opportunities for Undergraduates

Undergraduate Forensic Anthropology Community (UFAC)

Starting in the Fall of 2021, all undergraduates interested in forensic anthropology are invited to join the Undergraduate Forensic Anthropology Community (UFAC). This is an informal group that may be joined at any time. This group will address any questions you may have about forensic anthropology, how to apply to graduate school, guidance on how to pursue undergraduate research, information about careers/internships/volunteering, etc. This group will meet about once a month and a summary of the meeting will be provided to members that were unable to attend. UFAC is open to all LSU students regardless of major.

To join UFAC and be placed on the mailing list, send an email to Dr. Wilson (tvwilson@lsu.edu) from your LSU email address.

Self-Directed Learner (SDL) Program

The FACES Lab provides opportunities for LSU undergraduate students to learn more about the “real world” of forensic anthropology through a Self-Directed Learner (SDL) Program. The SDL Program is designed to enable motivated students to learn and practice methods used in forensic anthropology for human bone identification and biological profile estimation. Students who meet the minimum eligibility qualifications (MEQs) can apply for the SDL program. A maximum of four (4) new undergraduate students will be admitted each fall.

Minimum Eligible Qualifications (MEQs)

  • Enrolled as a full-time student at LSU - Baton Rouge
  • Declared Anthropology major (preferred Biological Anthropology subfield). Anthropology minors may be considered if there are vacancies in the program.
  • Sophomore level or above (at the start of the semester that application is submitted)
  • Minimum Cumulative GPA 3.20 (after the Spring semester preceding your application)

Benefits of the SDL Program

  • Gain practical experience in human bone identification and biological profile estimation
  • Exposure to other forensic-related agencies and activities
  • Networking with other Undergraduate Students with common interests, as well as FACES Lab Graduate Students and Professional Staff
  • Possible participation in research projects 
  • Reference for employment or graduate school

Application Process

  • New SDL applications will only be accepted for the fall semester
  • Fill out and submit the application (found below)
  • Submit official transcript to the Director (email)
  • Schedule and attend a meeting with the Director

Deadline

Completed applications must be received each year by August 1. Submit the application below and emailed transcripts to Dr. Listi (glisti1@lsu.edu). Late submittals will not be accepted.

Review Processes

Review

All complete applications will be reviewed at the same time after the due date. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Once the application has been reviewed and the MEQs verified, the Director will contact the student to schedule a virtual meeting. Meetings will be scheduled on a first-to-respond, first-served basis. Preference for SDL slots will be given to upperclassmen. When all SDL slots are filled, students with approved applications will be placed on a waiting list. Approved applicants on the waiting list may be admitted to the SDL program in the spring semester if a slot opens up.

Notification

Students admitted into the SDL Program will be notified via email prior to the start of the semester. Students must reply to the Director to indicate their acceptance and to provide their class schedule within one week of the date of notification. Admitted students must attend a mandatory Orientation meeting scheduled during the first few weeks of classes.

Failure to respond to the Director’s notification within one week, or to attend the mandatory orientation, will result in automatic loss of SDL status. Students who lose SDL status for these reasons may reapply the following year.

Reasons that Applications can be denied:

  • Complete application was not received by the due date.
  • Applicant does not meet MEQs.
  • Statement of Interest (included in the Application Form) is poorly written and does not meet the word minimum.

Note: Students who are denied admittance to the SDL program may reapply the following year.

SDL Program Application:

Report your cumulative GPA as of the end of the last semester.

Your status as of the coming Fall semester.

Your application will not be considered without a transcript.

Explain why you want to participate in the LSU FACES Lab Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Program. Statements should be carefully thought-out and well-written. This statement will be used to select participants. Suggestions on what to include: previous experiences, why you are interested in forensic anthropology, your future career goals, relevant courses you have taken, etc.

Note: Applications that are received by August 8, 2022 will be reviewed and a meeting will be scheduled for those that meet the minimum eligible qualifications (MEQs). Contact Dr. Listi (glisti1@lsu.edu) with any questions about the application process. Notifications will be made prior to the start of the semester.

I authorize that all information provided on this form, including any and all personal and academic data may be shared with the LSU FACES Laboratory to initiate an application for the SDL Program. This data will be retained indefinitely. To learn more about privacy at LSU, please see the LSU Privacy Statement: https://www.lsu.edu/privacy/

 

Contact Us

General Phone Number: 225-578-4761

UFAC Questions: tvwilson@lsu.edu 

SDL Application Questions: glisti1@lsu.edu

 

 

 

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