Katrin Koel Abt

Dr. Katrin Koel-Abt is a Professor in Anatomy & Physiology at Florida SouthWestern State College, bringing expertise in forensic anthropology, bone histomorphology, and biological anthropology. She previously collaborated with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) from 2012–2017 as a forensic anthropologist and histology lead, and earlier worked at Berlin’s Charite Medical Center identifying remains from Germany’s Colonial era.

• Education: PhD in Biology/Physical Anthropology

Her research focuses on forensic identification, bone pathology, and disaster response methodologies. She pioneered a study on cadaver scent differentiation for search dogs in post-hurricane scenarios and developed a tooth cementum analysis project with the U.S. Army, which earned the 2017 James W. Bass Research Award. Recent work includes interdisciplinary collaborations with law enforcement and medical institutions.

Dr. Koel-Abt serves on editorial boards for international forensic journals and provides on-call recovery expertise. She chairs the Hendry Glades Science Committee and teaches courses like BSC 1005, 1085C, and 1086C at FSW. Her scientific contributions span biological anthropology, osteology, and forensic science.