Xanthe Mallett

Xanthe Mallett is an Honorary Associate Professor at the School of Law and Justice, University of Newcastle, combining forensic anthropology and criminology in her research and media work. She holds a PhD in Forensic Facial Recognition (University of Sheffield, 2008), an MPhil in Biological Anthropology (University of Cambridge), and a BSc in Archaeological Sciences (University of Bradford).

• PhD: University of Sheffield (2008)
• MPhil: University of Cambridge (UK)
• BSc: University of Bradford (UK)

Her research bridges physical and social sciences, focusing on:

• Forensic human identification via DNA and craniofacial biometrics
• Combatting bias in legal proceedings
• True crime media’s role in evidence generation
• Expert witness evidence efficacy
• Human decomposition studies in Australian environments
• Child sex offender behavior analysis

She pioneered forensic hand image comparison techniques and investigates the Keli Lane and Kathleen Folbigg cases for potential miscarriages of justice.

Recent publications highlight geophysical methods for clandestine grave detection, 3D imaging in forensic anthropology, and media ethics in true crime content. Her 2025 work includes studies on computed tomography and domestic violence housing policy.

Scientific awards include the 2017 Faculty of Education and Arts Mid-Career Research Excellence Award. She supervises PhD students in criminology and forensic science, and collaborates with the Bridge of Hope Innocence Initiative (RMIT) and Not Guilty: The Sydney Exoneration Project (University of Sydney).