“A keen understanding of neuroscience is absolutely essential when studying human anatomy and forensic biology”: Professor Kelly Miles’ Research in Human Decomposition

(Photo provided by Kelly Miles)

“When looking at anatomy or even forensics as a whole, the entire body is integrated and controlled by the central nervous system. It's ultimately the thing that either keeps us alive and functioning as humans, or fails from natural or unnatural causes and results in death.” ~ Kelly Miles

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*In the following article, TS refers to The Synapse and KM refers to Kelly Miles;

TS: Could you briefly introduce yourself and what brought you to UNB?

KM: I am originally from Nova Scotia where I have lived and worked, and I also lived and worked in Newfoundland for several years. I was working and teaching at Dalhousie's Faculty of Medicine with the Human Body Donation Program when I saw the job ad for the UNB position and thought it was a great fit for my skills and future goals. It has turned out to be my dream job, so coming to UNB was a great decision.

TS: What is your research area or area of expertise?

KM: My current areas of research and expertise are in forensic taphonomy - the study of how living things change after death - and the science of human decomposition. Having an anatomy background as well as having worked as an embalmer, I am fascinated by the human body. It is a marvelous, intricate, and complex machine, both in life and in death. 

After death, the body begins to change immediately in almost imperceptible ways until eventually, the obvious signs of decomposition become evident. However, just as in life, different bodies act differently in different circumstances, and death is another way we all slightly differ from each other. No two bodies behave exactly the same after death- there is always some aspect of individual variability. That can make determining the time since death challenging in some situations. 

Determining the PMI (post-mortem interval) between the time of death and the time of recovery of human remains is my research focus. In a forensic investigation, the two most important pieces of information needed by investigators are the identity of the person, and how long they have been dead. Getting an accurate and precise PMI is essential yet has proven to be exceedingly difficult to biologically determine. A one-size-fits-all PMI method or equation has so far proven elusive, but we continue to try to tease out relevant variables in different circumstances. I use stable isotopes in decomposing human skin and muscle, as well as underlying gravesoils, to look for trends over the early post-mortem interval. 

TS: How are the methods/ topics of your area related or applicable to psychology/neuroscience?

KM: When looking at anatomy or even forensics as a whole, the entire body is integrated and controlled by the central nervous system. It's ultimately the thing that either keeps us alive and functioning as humans, or fails from natural or unnatural causes and results in death. 

There are innumerable ways to die from pathologies, trauma, accidents, etc., so having a keen understanding of neuroscience and how the brain governs our day-to-day functioning is absolutely essential when studying human anatomy and forensic biology. To understand how we as humans behave and why we do what we do, one must peek under the hood, so to speak, and understand the machinery that controls our thoughts and actions, as well as our biochemical activity.

TS: Which courses or research topics in your area would you recommend to psychology/neuroscience students? Why?

KM: I would start by recommending a robust intro to human anatomy course that covers all the major organ systems, followed up by a human physiology course. Knowing the parts and functions of the body and how they are all interconnected and work together is fundamental to higher learning in both neuroscience and psychology. One has to remember that all the organ systems - respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, etc. -  are essentially present in the body to keep the brain and spinal cord alive! 

TS: Is there anything else you wish to share about how your area overlaps with psychology/neuroscience?

KM: There is considerable overlap between human biology, anatomy, neurobiology, and forensic biology. We are all individuals with our own personal likes and dislikes, behaviours, thoughts, and emotions. This is true not only behaviourally, but down to the tissues in our bodies. We all share certain commonalities but we are unique at the same time. This is true not only in life but in death, and I think that is both fascinating and beautiful. The human body and the things that make us human are a constant source of wonder and awe with limitless research avenues. Ψ

Created for The Synapse by Jake Taylor & Incé Husain.