Hayley Green

Dr Hayley Green is a forensic anthropologist at Western Sydney University. She obtained a Bachelor of Science from the University of New South Wales and a BSc (Anatomy and Histology) from the University of Sydney. She did her PhD at the University of New South Wales, with a focus on modern cranial shape differences around the world. She has been particularly interested in investigating the comparability of Northern Hemisphere ‘time since death’ identification methods in Australia and the impact of climate on decay and identification of bodies. She is working with the Australian Facility for Taphonomic Experimental Research (AFTER) at University of Technology Sydney to develop time since death methods which are applicable to the specific characteristics an Australian climate. Hayley is studying how bodies decompose in different microclimates and the resultant weathering patterns that can be seen on bones.

She is also investigating the use of multidisciplinary techniques to find and identify remains. This includes using analytical chemistry to identify potential chemical signatures in bone samples, which may be able to determine time since death. This has the potential to allow for identification of individuals in situations where there are multiple skeletons that may have become mixed. As well as observing physical changes to the body as it decomposes, Dr Green undertakes multidisciplinary research with collaborators in the School of Science to investigate the impact of the environment on decomposition and in turn, how the body leaves it mark on the environment.