The Forensic Anthropology Center at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, better known as the “Body Farm,” is a hub for unique research and learning: Scientists there study how human bodies decompose in different contexts, helping forensic and medical experts determine time of death and the circumstances surrounding it. The center also offers educational programs where students, such as Laurentian Lucy Postizzi ’26, learn forensic anthropology techniques firsthand.
Lucy Postizzi is a junior studying anthropology and studio arts at St. Lawrence University. She’s from Massachusetts and is interested in photography as well as forensics. Her passion brought her to the 'Body Farm,' a facility she notes that has undergone significant transformation over the years, now emphasizing strict ethical practices to safeguard the identities of donors and their families. When Lucy pointed out that “seeing and hearing about the projects they do with graduate students made me more excited to further my education,” I could tell that having collaborated with graduate students impacted her passion for forensic anthropology.
Before enrolling in the program at the Body Farm, Lucy took the Human Skeleton class with Dr. Pitre, biological anthropologist and Chair of the Anthropology Department at SLU. Lucy shared that “Dr. Pitre’s expertise in that class helped prepare me with knowledge about the entire skeleton as well as how disorders and diseases affect bone,” highlighting the importance of her education at St. Lawrence, especially learning about osteology in the context of forensic anthropology.
Lucy’s relationship with St. Lawrence University actually began before enrolling as a student here. She attributes her interest to having grown up listening to the stories that her dad, a St. Lawrence alum, would tell her about his wonderful time here. Going on a tour during October sealed the deal, making her “fall in love with the remote beautiful campus.” Her favorite thing about studying anthropology at St. Lawrence? “The people! The professors and other major students are the most intelligent, kind, and caring people I've ever been surrounded by.”
If you wish to learn more about the opportunities our students take advantage of, you can reach out through the contacts tab on our website, or through our Instagram: @stlawuanthro .