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Media Relations
Kansas State University
9 Anderson Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6415
media@k-state.edu
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  5. Michael Finnegan bio

MICHAEL FINNEGAN
Professor of anthropology

 

Michael FinneganMichael Finnegan is one of the nation's leading forensic anthropology experts. When he is called to a case, he determines the deceased's physical characteristics, establishes approximate time of death, and keeps authorities apprised of his progress. Finnegan prefers to examine the remains where they are discovered. He says such observation may provide useful information, such as what damage the elements may have caused. This makes establishing time of death easier. He follows up with additional tests in his lab.

Finnegan has conducted researcch on seven continents, excavated on five, and has worked on more than 400 cases to identify skeletal remains. He has identified downed American pilots in Vietnam, dissidents in Eastern Europe, and even Jesse James. DNA tests Finnegan did in 1995 say the real Jesse James is buried at the James farm in Kearney, Mo. Finnegan has lectured all over the world and been contacted for consultation by forensic labs worldwide.

Finnegan joined the K-State faculty in 1973. He earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from the University of Colorado.

Contact Finnegan by e-mail at finnegan@k-state.edu, or by phone at 785-532-4982.