Research interests

My research focuses on the adaptation and application of archaeological and anthropological techniques to forensic investigations.

My specific research interests include the following topics: forensic archaeology, forensic anthropology, biological anthropology, archaeological excavation methods, archaeological recording systems, experimental archaeology, mass disaster recovery and emergency response planning.

Research students

Current research students:

Dragos Mitrofan, PhD Candidate, Hybridisation and inequality in Late Antiquity. A meta-analysis of the lime, gypsum and chalk deposits in Roman burial contexts. Bioarchaeology/Digital Archaeology/Roman Archaeology. 

Katharina Becker, PhD Candidate, A bioarchaeological investigation of Neolithic human remains found at causewayed enclosures. Physical Anthropology/Bioarchaeology. 

Hayley Hayes, MRes Student, A critical examination of the taphonomic effects of mass graves on the subsoil and surrounding landscape. Forensic Archaeology/Forensic Bioarchaeology. 

Past research students: 

Jennifer Mack, 2020. PhD - Differential mortality and mortuary treatment of adolescents in nineteenth-century American cemeteries. Bioarchaeology. 

Contribution to discipline

Conferences

Papers presented

Evis, L.H., Darvill, T., Cheetham, P. and Hanson, I., 2015. Searching for a Standard: The impact that method selection has on evidence recovery in forensic archaeological investigations. Washington DC: International Forensics Symposium.

Evis, L.H., Darvill, T., Cheetham, P. and Hanson, I., 2014.  Digging the Dirt: An evaluation of archaeological excavation and recording techniques and their applicability in forensic casework. Austin: Society for American Archaeology.

Hanson, I., Pelling, S. and Evis, L., 2008. Towards Standards in Forensic Archaeology: Examining the impact of method on interpretation. Washington DC: American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

Organised and chaired

Title: Dig it! Intersections Between Excavation Methods and Recording Systems. Conference: Society for American Archaeology (SAA). Date: April 2012. Location: Memphis, United States of America.

Title: Madness in our Methods? The state of the art and intersections between excavation methods and recording systems. Conference: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). Date: April 2012. Location: Oxford, United Kingdom.

Title: Dig it! Intersections Between Excavation Methods and Recording Systems. Conference: Theoretical Archaeology Group (TAG). Date: December 2011. Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Title: A Different Kind of Difference? The Value of Forensic Archaeology. Conference: Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA). Date: April 2022. Location: Bath, United Kingdom & Online. 

Guest lectures

Dr Evis has given guest lectures to societies and students at the following institutions:

Bournemouth University.

Cranfield University.

External reviewer

Dr Evis has worked as an external reviewer for the following organisations:

The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences (EJFS).

Journal of Archaeological Sciences (JAS). 

Routledge.

Thames and Hudson. 

Outreach

Dr Evis' recent outreach activities include: 

Being on the committee of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Forensic Archaeology Special Interest Group (CIfAFASIG). 

Vice-Chair, Director and Trustee at Cotswold Archaeology. 

A Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI). 

An Emergency Response Team Member for Blake Emergency Services.

An Editor for the Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences (EJFS). 

Modules taught

• ARC1007 - Archaeological and Forensic Science Practicals
• ARC1008 - Forensic Archaeology
• ARC1070 - Practical Skills in Archaeology
• ARC2514 - Forensic Anthropology
• ARC3000 - Archaeological Dissertation
• ARC3510 - Experimental Approaches to Forensic and Archaeological Investigations
• ARCM600 - Bioarchaeology Dissertation
• ARCM602 - Forensic Anthropology: Principles and Practice

Biography

Education

PGCert. Title: Academic Practice. Institution: University of Exeter. 2019.

PhD. Title: Digging the Dirt - A Comparative Analysis of Excavation Methods and Recording Systems in Relation to their Applications in Forensic Archaeology. Institution: Bournemouth University. Dates: October 2010 - March 2014. Supervisors: Professor Timothy Darvill OBE and Paul Cheetham. Examiners: Dr Edward Harris MBE and Dr Martin Smith.

PGDip. Title: Forensic and Biological Anthropology. Institution: Bournemouth University. Dates: October 2009 – September 2010.

MSc. Title: Forensic Archaeology: Crime Scene and International Investigations. Institution: Bournemouth University. Dates: October 2008 – September 2009.

BA (Hons). Title: Ancient History and Archaeology. Institution: Cardiff University. Dates: September 2005 – July 2008.

Specialist training

Mass Grave Short Course, Bournemouth University, April 2010.

Muscular Anatomy Short Course, Bournemouth University, 2008-2010.

Expert Witness Training Short Course, Bournemouth University, 2008-2010.

CRANID Software Short Course, Professor Richard Wright, Bournemouth University, April 2009.

Air Crash Recovery Short Course, Bournemouth University, February 2009. 

Professional Body Membership 

British Association for Biological Anthropology and Osteoarchaeology (BABAO).

British Association for Human Identification (BAHID).

British Association for Forensic Anthropology (BAFA). 

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (CIfA).

Chartered Institute for Archaeologists Forensic Archaeology Special Interest Group (CIfAFASIG).

Royal Anthropological Institute (RAI).