Bioarchaeology

Bioarchaeology for Agencies, Project Teams & Property Owners

ACI provides bioarchaeology and forensic anthropology expertise for situations involving human remains, burial sites, and sensitive archaeological contexts — and we help clients navigate discovery, evaluation, and documentation. Our team works with property owners, public agencies, law enforcement, and project teams of all sizes to provide timely guidance, professional analysis, and support through sensitive circumstances.

How ACI Can Help

With in-house expertise in bioarchaeology and physical and forensic anthropology, ACI can assess potential faunal and human remains, support evaluations in the field, and provide specialized guidance needed to help clients uncover answers and address concerns regarding complex cultural resources. Whether evidence is discovered during residential construction, infrastructure work, property improvements, or law enforcement investigations, we are available to assist — with decades of experience.

What Bioarchaeology Services Include

Bioarchaeology requires a unique combination of scientific expertise, archaeological knowledge, and sensitivity to complex situations — all of which ACI has understood for 50 years. We bring together experience in physical anthropology, forensic analysis, and cultural resource management to evaluate remains, answer questions, and provide clear documentation and recommendations. Explore our core bioarchaeology capabilities to learn how ACI can support the needs of your project or investigation.

Core Capabilities

Experience With Human Skeletal Remains

ACI is familiar with the sequence of events that must occur when human skeletal remains are found in various situations — and we work closely with our clients to navigate the process, assisting with on-site management, communication with the appropriate authorities, and documentation to fulfill statutory needs. The discovery of skeletal remains during a construction project or a planned excavation can result in work stoppage. ACI is prepared to quickly evaluate skeletal remains to determine if they are faunal or human.

For Agencies, Medical Examiners & Coroners

ACI's forensic anthropologist is experienced in working with law enforcement, medical examiners, and coroners' offices to determine the forensic significance of human remains. We also evaluate age, sex, ancestry, stature, individualizing characteristics, and trauma to assist with personal identification and cause and manner of death. ACI's experience in the search and discovery of skeletal remains, the excavation of buried remains, and the collection of evidence during autopsy procedures is vital in these situations.

A Sensitive Approach to Assessing Remains

ACI does not use destructive analytical procedures in the skeletal assessment of archaeological or forensic remains, although samples can be prepared for testing if additional analysis is necessary — including DNA and isotopic testing. We are highly sensitive to the issues that surround the handling and analysis of both archaeological and forensic materials.

Experience With Faunal Remains

In addition to our experience with human remains, several staff members at ACI are well-versed in the identification and analysis of faunal remains. When specialized analysis is needed, ACI partners with various professionals depending on the type of remains and research questions.

When to Contact ACI

Bioarchaeology Support May Be Needed at Your Site

In Florida, human skeletal remains and unmarked graves are protected by Florida Statute 872.05, which applies to all human burials, human skeletal remains, and associated burial artifacts not otherwise protected under Chapter 497 or other state laws, and found upon or within any public space or private land in the state. If you have made a discovery or have concerns regarding remains, the first step is starting a conversation with our team at ACI.

From the First Conversation to a Clear Path Forward

Every investigation begins with understanding the entire situation. ACI reviews your project location, timeline, available documentation such as photos or descriptions of what was found, known requirements, and any concerns regarding cultural resources to determine the most appropriate path forward.

Your Details Help Us Determine the Scope

Using the information you provided, our team determines whether additional research, field investigations, technical studies, or other services are appropriate. We then develop a clear plan and provide the documentation or recommendations needed to support your project.

Need Bioarchaeology Guidance for a Project or Investigation?

If you know bioarchaeology expertise is what your project or investigation requires, or are unsure which services you need from ACI, we are always available to answer questions. Contact our team, tell us about your situation, and we will place you on a clear path forward.

Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR)

Cemetery Studies

Bioarchaeology

Historical Research

Tribal Consultation