Have you ever wondered what stories our bones can tell? This Memorial Day, May 26, 2025, you’ll have the chance to meet Sophia R. Mavroudas, Ph.D., a forensic anthropologist who has made a career out of studying the human skeleton to reveal secrets about our past and present.
Her journey into this fascinating field began with a curiosity about people and how their lives leave lasting marks on their bones. “I love learning about people—modern, historic, and archaeological—through their skeletons,” she says. “The microscopic changes that occur inside our bones as we age and interact with the world are like nature’s diary.”
One of her favorite parts of the job? The ever-changing nature of the work. “Every day is different,” she explains. “Some days I’m indoors working with microscopes, and others I’m out in the field, digging in the dirt. It’s the perfect mix of science and adventure.”
Around the World in 206 Bones
Her career has taken her far beyond the lab, offering unique opportunities to travel and study how life experiences shape our skeletons. “One of my favorite places to travel is Greece,” she shares. “I’ve examined both archaeological remains and modern forensic cases there, and I’m always learning how different environments and cultures leave their mark on our bones.”
