Sabine Stratton

Courses Taught:

• Introduction to Forensic Anthropology
• Biological Anthropology

Education: B.Sc. (Zoology), B.A. (Anthropology), M.A. (University of Alberta)

Interests: Sabine Stratton received two undergraduate degrees and her Master of Arts from the University of Alberta. The degree in zoology led to an interest in skeletal biology and a degree in physical anthropology established an enthusiasm for the study of human biology. While serving on the medical examiner’s human identification team, investigating the 1986 Hinton Via Rail collision, a fascination for human individualization crystallized. Research since that time has focused upon human skeletal anomalies; ante- and post-mortem x-ray comparison; video superimposition; and public perceptions toward autopsy. Currently she is completing her Ph.D. investigating the unique aspects of the human sacro-iliac joint (posterior hip joint). Stratton is a member of the following organizations: American Academy of Forensic Sciences, American Association of Physical Anthropologists, Canadian Association for Physical Anthropology, and the Paleopathology Association.

Field Work: Lake Baikal, Siberia

Selected Publications:

S. U. Stratton and O. B. Beattie. (1999) “Mass Disasters: Comments and Discussion Regarding the Hinton Train Collision of 1986”, in Forensic Osteological Analysis: Case Studies in Forensic Anthropology, edited by S. I. Fairgrieve. Springfield, Ill.: C. C. Thomas, Chapter 18, pp.267-286.

S. Stratton. “The Attitude of University Students Toward Autopsy”. Proceedings of the 50th Annual Meeting of The American Academy of Forensic Sciences Volume 4, February 1998. Abstract, pp. 214-15.

Photos of Research published in The Buffalo People, Prehistoric Archaeology on the Canadian Plains by Liz Bryan. Edmonton, Alberta: The University of Alberta Press. 1991, pp. 112-113.

O. Beattie and S. Stratton. “Acetabular Rim Morphology As An Individualizing Characteristic”. Canadian Society of Forensic Science Journal. Abstract, Volume 20, Number 3, August 1987.

Forensic Case Studies: I was the first anthropology student allowed access to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Alberta. During that time there were numerous cases for which I was allowed to participate and observe, including a mass disaster, the Hinton/Via Rail train collision in February, 1986.

From June, 2002 to June, 2003 I worked as a civilian contractor for the R.C.M.P.

Teaching Philosophy

• Be enthusiastic and passionate about what I teach.
• To assist students in developing their passion for intellectual pursuits.
• To allow students to benefit from my personal experiences.