Role
Dr Austin has been a Lecturer in Forensic Science at NTU since 2023. He is currently the Module Leader on Technical Skills for Forensic Science (FORE10002) and Introduction to Suspicious Death Investigation (FORE20005). He also teaches on the Foundation Biology (FORE00001) and Forensic Bioarcheology and Anthropology (FORE40002) modules.
Career overview
Dr Austin completed his BSc in Forensic Science with International Business at Keele University in 2011 before moving to the University of Lincoln to complete an MSc in Forensic Anthropology for which he was awarded a distinction. At the same institution he pursued a PhD entitled ‘Identifying the missing; utilising strontium isotopes for geolocation; finding the voice of Guatemala’s forgotten’. During his PhD he worked on a several mass graves in Guatemala, resulting from the countries internal conflict (1960-1996). After finishing his PhD in 2021 he moved back to Keele to become a Senior Demonstrator in Forensic Science before leaving for Plymouth Marjon University to take up a position as Lecturer in Forensic in 2022. Dr Austin joined NTU as a Lecturer in Forensic Science in 2023, where along with teaching commitments is continuing to research the use of isotopes for human provenancing in Guatemala. Outside of academia, as a certified forensic anthropologist (FA-III) Dr Austin serves as a consultant forensic anthropologist and search and recovery specialist on both National and International DVI incidents.
Research areas
Dr Austins' current research interests in Forensic Anthropology currently revolve around the following topis:
- Isotopes for geolocation/human provenancing
- Forensic Anthropology in post conflict environments
- Methods for Biological Profiling
Outside of these areas he is keen to explore other potential project/areas within Forensic Anthropology and in particular the application of novel or contemporary methods to the discipline.
External activity
- Affiliate Member of the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences
- Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute
- Member of the UK DVI Cadre
Press expertise
Ryan Austin is a Certified Forensic Anthropologist being certified by the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI) at Level III.
My research and teaching aligns with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
