“I have always been interested in science and working in labs, which is why I started studying biology. I knew I wanted a job in the fields of health or death investigation. While researching my options, I discovered forensic anthropology, so I decided to major in anthropology.

I’ve been working at the State of Utah’s Office of the Medical Examiner as a forensic tech, or morgue clerk, for the past two years. Basically, if someone dies in a way that’s sudden or unexplained, or otherwise needs a team to advocate for them and speak for their death, we can investigate that situation.

What I really like about death investigation is that it can inform public health initiatives, answer individual questions and uses an interdisciplinary approach with advocacy and science. If we can track who is dying of what, then we can create a better understanding of different public health initiatives that we can pursue in the future. If we see a correlation of the cause and manner of death within certain demographics, then we can better use a preventative scope.

I am interested in this field because it offers a very person-focused approach to scientific concepts. I care a lot about people and their health. The idea I have when I go into work is, ‘Would I be uncomfortable if someone were treating a loved one of mine this way?’

In the anthropology program, I made important connections with faculty members who helped me access exciting opportunities. I was sent to South Africa for a field season, received funding to attend conferences and connected to several scholarship programs. These experiences taught me that I have to advocate for myself. It wasn’t until I told people I was interested in bone research that I found out I could participate in that at the U. I want to keep finding these opportunities.

Every experience I’ve had at the U has validated that I love people. I’m on the ambassador board for Ending Relationship Violence, I’m working with immigrants and refugees and I’m working with people who have passed away. I always want to be in a job where I can practice caring for people.”

— Jane Damstedt, Class of 2026, B.S. in Biology, minor in integrative human biology and chemistry, anthropology, College of Science and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, from Buffalo, New York