See our list below of activities performed at SARF and what it has to offer.
Students can take part in a mock excavation and crime scene recovery through the forensics class (ANTH 600) offered every other year in the fall. During this activity, students will gain first hand experience of what it is like to be apart of the recovery process for a set of human remains from a clandestine grave. They will learn the proper techniques used for locating the grave, how to excavate it, and the process of documentation at a crime scene.
SARF presents a unique opportunity to Wichita State students to conduct research into arson and how fire/heat affects skeletal material. Research into burns and heat has taken on many forms such as house fires, car fires, and bonfires. Our close relationship with the local fire department and fire marshals has allowed us to continue conducting this type of research.
Studies into the stages of decomposition and its effects have been conducted by previous students at SARF. These studies have explored the different stages of decomposition when material is buried, exposed, shaded, scavenged, or any sort of combination. They have also looked at how decomposition affects the surrounding environment and vegetation.
Skeleton Acres Research Facility is also host to many other research interests such as forensics, ballistics, trauma, taphonomy, ect. Students interested in conducting their research at the facility, contact the SARF Director and Department Chair.
SARF is located in Butler county on approximately 15 acres of land. The facility offers a few different types of environments to conduct research in such as wooded, grassy, rocky, and wet environments. The facility is also equipped with 3 cages: 1 fully shaded, 1 exposed to direct sun light 24/7, and 1 that is a combination of both.