James T. Pokines

James T. Pokines, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Forensic Anthropology Program within the Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology at Boston University's Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine. He serves as the Forensic Anthropologist for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, where he analyzes all unknown bone cases in the state. With extensive field experience spanning 18 countries, Dr. Pokines has conducted excavations at diverse sites including Tiwanaku locations in Bolivia, Paleolithic sites in Spain and France, Classical sites in Egypt, and natural faunal traps in Jordan.

His educational background includes a B.A. in Anthropology and Archaeology from Cornell University, followed by M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Anthropology from the University of Chicago. This strong academic foundation has supported his dual career in academic research and practical forensic application.

Dr. Pokines' research focuses on forensic taphonomy, with particular expertise in scavenger gnawing and dispersal patterns, subaerial weathering processes, and other environmental effects on bone. His work bridges forensic anthropology with zooarchaeology and paleoecology, examining both contemporary forensic contexts and ancient archaeological sites. Recent research includes ongoing projects in Jordan's Azraq Basin, studying natural faunal traps like Wadi Zarqa Ma'in 1, and investigating gull scavenging behavior at Shoals Marine Laboratory in Maine.

His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity with 108 publications spanning from 1993 to 2025, with a notable increase in output since 2014. Recent work shows a strong focus on experimental taphonomy, forensic methodology development, and applications to both forensic casework and archaeological interpretation. The research spans laboratory experiments, field studies, and comprehensive reference works like the Manual of Forensic Taphonomy.

• A.B.F.A. board-certified forensic anthropologist
• Former Vice President of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology
• Fellow of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences

As a Graduate Faculty member and Primary Mentor of Grad Students at Boston University Graduate Medical Sciences, Dr. Pokines guides the next generation of forensic anthropologists. His current research includes the Department of Justice/NIJ-funded project 'Gull (Laridae) Taphonomy at Shoals Marine Laboratory, Maine, USA' (2023-2027), demonstrating continued external funding support for his innovative work. His prior twelve-year tenure as a Forensic Anthropologist and Manager at the Central Identification Laboratory in Hawaii provided extensive experience recovering and analyzing remains from past conflicts across numerous international locations.

Dr. Pokines maintains active research laboratories focused on forensic taphonomy, with field sites in Jordan's Azraq Basin and coastal New England. His work integrates archaeological field methods with forensic science applications, creating a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding bone modification processes in both ancient and contemporary contexts.