Nicholas Passalacqua

Nicholas Passalacqua is an Associate Professor and the Director of the Forensic Anthropology Laboratory at The Ohio State University. A certified forensic anthropologist, his expertise spans forensic anthropology, forensic archaeology, ethics, and bioarchaeology. He co-founded and edits the journal Forensic Anthropology and has held leadership roles in the American Board of Forensic Anthropology (ABFA), American Academy of Forensic Sciences Standards Board (ASB), and the Organization of Scientific Area Committees (OSAC).

• Ph.D. in Anthropology from Michigan State University (2012)

Dr. Passalacqua's research centers on the nature and practice of forensic anthropology, with a strong emphasis on ethics and professionalism. His work contributes to establishing standards for the discipline, analyzing skeletal trauma, and advancing methodologies in forensic contexts.

• 2021 American Academy of Forensic Sciences Outstanding Emerging Forensic Scientist Award
• 2020 American Academy of Forensic Sciences Outstanding Early Career Achievement in Forensic Science Award

He has authored or co-authored numerous publications in journals such as The American Journal of Physical Anthropology, The International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, and The Journal of Forensic Sciences, as well as book chapters addressing skeletal trauma, burned human remains, and age estimation. Additionally, he co-authored the award-winning textbook Forensic Anthropology: Current Methods and Practice (3rd edition) and A Laboratory Manual for Forensic Anthropology.

Dr. Passalacqua previously directed the forensic anthropology program at Western Carolina University, which received the 2023 WCU Program of Excellence award. He actively engages in casework, consultation, and training through his Forensic Anthropology Services and Training (FAST) program.