Christopher Aris

Biography

Chris was appointed as a lecturer in forensic anthropology at Keele in 2022, having previously worked at at the University of Sheffield and Glyndwr University teaching and researching in multiple areas of anatomy, anthropology, and bioscience. He graduated from the University of Kent with a BSc (Hons) in Biological Anthropology, before studying for an MSc in Human Osteology and Funerary Archaeology at the University of Sheffield (a course he would later go on to coordinate). In 2021 Chris was awarded his PhD for work in dental anthropology investigating variation and microevolution in human enamel growth through polarised light microscopy and thin-section histology. Alongside his academic positions, Chris is also a certified forensic anthropologist with the Royal Anthropological Institute, and a Trustee for the British Association for Biological Anthropology. He also works closely with a number of community-led museums and institutions to offer accessible workshops and outreach activities revolving around the fields in which he works.

Research and scholarship

Chris' research focusses on two areas: dental anthropology and forensic pedagogy. Currently in dental anthropology Chris' research involves dental taphonomy, namely investigating how the breakdown of teeth after death may vary under different conditions. He is also continuing to investigate enamel growth patterns in humans within both the context of forensic and biology anthropology. In regards to forensic pedagogy Chris' research is focussed on improving and optimising the standards and efficacy of forensic education when utilising human remains. These wide research areas see Chris regularly collaborating with colleagues across forensic science, bioarchaeology, and gross anatomy.

Publications

Supervision

I would be interested in supervising students with an interest in dental anthropology, human osteology, and forensic anatomy.

School address

Lennard-Jones School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Lennard-Jones Building
Keele University
Staffordshire
ST5 5BG, UK
Phone (School Office): +44 (0)1782 733033, (Chemistry): +44 (0)1782 731693, (Forensic Science): +44 (0)1782 731694, (Physics): +44 (0)1782 733527
Email: scps@keele.ac.uk

Information for schools and colleges

Programme directors

Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry
Dr Tess Phillips
Tel : +44 (0)1782 733038
Email : t.r.phillips@keele.ac.uk

Dr Chris Hawes
Tel : +44 (0)1782 732820
Email : c.s.hawes@keele.ac.uk

Forensic Science and Criminology
Dr Jamie K. Pringle
Tel : +44 (0)1782 733163
Email : j.k.pringle@keele.ac.uk

Victoria Cartwright
Tel: +44 (0)1782733584
Email: v.cartwright@keele.ac.uk

Physics and Astrophysics
Dr Barry Smalley and Dr Joana Oliveira
Email : b.smalley@keele.ac.uk, j.oliveira@keele.ac.uk

Admission tutors

Chemistry and Medicinal Chemistry
Dr Natalie Capel
Tel : +44 (0)1782 733584
Email : n.j.capel@keele.ac.uk

Forensic Science
Sue Shemilt
Email: s.shemilt@keele.ac.uk

Physics and Astrophysics
Dr Juliana Morbec
Email : physics@keele.ac.uk or j.morbec@keele.ac.uk