UWM Anthropology Colloquium – Beyond the Lab: Building a Career in Forensics with an Anthropology Degree with Dr. Cristina Figueroa Soto

Please join us for a free UWM Anthropology Colloquium entitled; “Beyond the Lab: Building a Career in Forensics with an Anthropology Degree” presented by Dr. Cristina Figueroa Soto on September 23rd, 2026. Dr. Figueroa Soto is the Director of Operations and Forensic Anthropologist for Dane and Rock County Medical Examiner’s Office and will be sharing her experiences and advice for those pursuing a career in the field.

Beyond the Lab: Building a Career in Forensics with an Anthropology Degree with Dr. Cristina Figueroa Soto

Abstract

This presentation will examine how anthropology training can be applied across multiple roles
within forensic science and medicolegal death investigation. It will trace an academic pathway
that includes a certificate in forensic science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
(UWM), graduate training in in forensic anthropology, and demonstrates how these credentials
translate into real word experience. This presentation will explore the integration of forensic
anthropology into medicolegal investigations, including scene response, skeletal biology, and
interdisciplinary collaborations within a medical examiner’s office. It will also address the
progression from anthropological casework to administrative leadership, highlighting the
operational, legal, and logistical responsibilities involved in leading a medical examiner’s office. A
case example will be presented to illustrate the application of anthropological methods in
current practice, emphasizing problem solving, trauma interpretation, and the value of
specialized expertise within broader forensic systems. The ultimate goal of this presentation is
to highlight the versatility of an anthropological degree and provide a realistic framework for
pursuing and sustaining a career in forensic science.

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