Emily Norton

Emily Norton is a Researcher at Bournemouth University within the Faculty of Science and Technology, specializing in forensic applications of remote sensing for clandestine mass grave detection. Her work bridges forensic anthropology, archaeology, and geospatial technology to advance human rights investigations.

Her academic foundation includes a PhD from Bournemouth University (2019) on multi-temporal remote sensing approaches for mass grave prospection in temperate environments, an MSc in Forensic Archaeology and Anthropology from Cranfield University (2010), and a BSc (Hons) in Forensic Science from the University of Lincoln (2009). This trajectory established her expertise in applying advanced sensing methodologies to forensic challenges.

Norton's research centers on innovating detection techniques through satellite imagery, reflectance spectroscopy, and multi-platform geophysical systems. Key thematic areas include:

• Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology integration with remote sensing
• Multi-temporal satellite analysis for environmental change detection
• Field spectroscopy applications in temperate climates
• Geospatial intelligence for human rights documentation
• Hyperspectral imaging of clandestine burial sites
• Interdisciplinary approaches to forensic prospection

Her publication record reveals a consistent evolution from foundational spectroscopy work (2011) toward sophisticated multi-temporal satellite methodologies (2015), demonstrating increasing technical complexity and environmental specificity in mass grave detection.

Norton's scholarly impact is recognized through prestigious awards:

• President's Cup for Best Oral Paper (RSPSoc Annual Conference, 2013)
• Forensic Geoscience Group Award for Best Student Presentation (2014)
• Multiple awards at Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society conferences (2014-2015)
• Cranfield Forensic Institute Prize for Academic Excellence (2011)

She has secured significant research funding from the NERC Field Spectroscopy Facility (2012-2014), Alexander Goetz Instrument Support Program (2014), and Inforce Foundation, supporting fieldwork on mass grave detection. Her teaching portfolio includes demonstrator roles for Advanced Human Osteology (Masters level) and Applied Anthropology (Undergraduate level) at Bournemouth University, translating research into pedagogy. Professional engagement includes active membership in the American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Institute for Archaeologists, and Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society.