Send me to UK to learn the excavation of Mass Graves!

Hello everyone,

I am a Belgian PhD student in Biomedical Sciences with a strong background in archaeology and in Forensic osteology. Since graduation in 2011, I took part to various excavation fields in Belgium and also got a MSc degree in Funerary archaeology and Human osteology at the University of Sheffield in 2013.

Excavations of human burials in Rebecq, Belgium, 2012.| Skype Conference for the European Association of Archaeologists | Exploring Ypres

After many years of financial struggle, I finally got to start my own PhD project. As some of you know, I would like to orientate it towards Forensics Archaeology, which is the excavation and the analysis of human osteological remains buried in the ground. The main goal is to learn more about these remains by assessing them a biological sex, age at death, global health and possible cause of death. With this we are able to identify the person, in some context.

PROJECT HILL 80 (FLANDERS, BELGIUM)

Photo: Project Hill 80

I am very keen on working on the remains of soldiers and possible civilians that died on the WWI fields in Flanders, Belgium. I am going to the field in late April 2018 with the Project Hill 80 in order to search for the remains and to ultimately give them an identity, the honours, and a proper burial. My participation is on a volunteering basis. More about the project: https://dighill80.com/

Please have a look at this article in the Daily Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5172755/So...

Photo: Project Dig Hill 80

CRANFIELD FORENSIC INSTITUTE (UK)

In order to achieve this the best way possible, I have applied to a course in Forensic Archaeology focussed on the excavation of mass graves at Cranfield University. I was accepted in the course.

However, the costs are quite high for a self-funded student:

- admission is 383£
- accomodation is around : 200£
- travel : around 150£

Photo: Cranfield Forensic Institute

Thanks to this 1-week course, I am hoping to acquire strong skills in order to be able to work on the excavations of the dead of WWI who still remain under our feet in Flanders fields.

Ultimately, I will keep on working in Forensics archaeology, which is a very useful tool when it comes to the archaeology of Modern Conflicts and especially when working on the sites of genocides.

Tyne Cot Cemetery 2018

Any help is appreciated to support my project. Many thanks!

More about me : http://jennifergonissen.wixsite.com/jennifergoniss...