Cris Hughes

Cris Hughes is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of Illinois' College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. They serve as Director of the Institute of Genomic Biology's Investigative Technology Exchange and hold multiple affiliations with the Carl R. Woese Institute of Genomic Biology.

• Teaches courses: ANTH 246 (Introduction to Forensic Science), ANTH 247 (Forensic Genetics Lab), ANTH 346 (Forensic Anthropology), ANTH 498 (Senior Capstone Seminar)

Research focuses on ancestry estimations in skeletal variation, biological profile reliability, and forensic identification disparities. Their work bridges forensic science with genomic research through partnerships with the Illinois State Police.

Recent publications analyze age estimation methodologies (2024), forensic identification biases (2023), and biological profile accuracy (2021). Articles emphasize improving forensic standards through empirical validation studies.

• Scientific roles:
  • Board-certified forensic anthropologist
  • Illinois Forensic Science Commission member

Collaborates with coroner’s offices statewide since 2013, directing forensic investigative genetic genealogy initiatives and maintaining the Forensic Anthropology Database for Assessing Methods Accuracy (FADAMA).