Helen Meadows

I am a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification at the University of Dundee. I hold a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Biochemistry (University of St Andrews), a Master of Science in Human Identification (University of Dundee) and a PhD in superficial vein pattern analysis for forensic human identification (University of Dundee).
I previously held an Anatomical Society Research Studentship to undertake a PhD in Anatomy and Human Identification, specialising in analysis of the vascular variation in the upper limb. The focus of my research was on superficial vein pattern recognition using visible light and near infra-red light photography and limb vein pattern analysis for forensic human identification.
I currently hold a post-doctoral research grant from the European Commission, (Directorate-General Home Affairs, and Internal Security) under the prevention of and fight against crime programme. The purpose of this research is to further work in innovation in forensic anatomical identification and combating the sexual exploitation of children. The focus of my research is the implementation of vein pattern analysis.
Through research and active casework, the objective of this research is to interrogate the discriminatory capacity of anatomical body parts that most frequently present in images of child abuse, address the legal admissibility of the evidence and construct a foundation which will enable training and dissemination of the work at an international level.
The Internal Security European Commission (ISEC) grant and vein pattern analysis research also involves Miss Harriet Stratton and Miss Rachel Aitken.
More info here.