Trainings & Conferences

Human Identity and Trauma Analysis (HITA) Laboratory

Training Courses

The HITA Laboratory offers training courses geared towards medicolegal practitioners (e.g., crime scene investigators, law enforcement personnel, medicolegal death investigators, autopsy technicians, pathologists, forensic analysts and agents, attorneys and paralegal professionals) as well as students who are interested in forensic anthropology! 

The trainings will be offered at the Emergent Technologies Institute (16301 Innovation Lane, Fort Myers, Florida 33913; approximately 5 miles North from the FGCU main campus) and/or the Buckingham Environmental Forensics Facility (BEFF) (5820 Buckingham Road, Fort Myers, Florida 33905; approximately 20 miles North from the FGCU main campus). 

For additional information regarding HITA trainings, please contact Laboratory Manager, Micki Besse (mbesse@fgcu.edu). 

  • This is an invited conference for directors and staff of outdoor taphonomic facilities. 
    Dates: 23 and 24 January 2025
    A $75.00 registration fee will cover lunch and activities for both conference days, snacks, and coffee.
    Select this link for a description of nearby lodging options. 

    Price:

    $75.00

  • 1-day (8-hr) training
    Date: 10 January 2025
    Location: 16301 Innovation Ln, Fort Myers, FL
    Cost: $500.00 for hands-on practical lab exercises, lecture, textbook, light refreshments, & lunch. Participants receive a 3D resin print of the most common nonhuman bone referenced in Dr. Walsh-Haney's forensic caseload. Students are provided training on how to distinguish osseous (bone) from non-osseous (non-bone) elements. 

    Price:

    $500.00

  • This is a closed training for forensic pathology fellows at the Florida District 11 and 17 Offices of the Medical Examiner only
    Date: 17 January 2025

    Price:

    $500.00

  • 3-day (24-hour) training
    Dates: 27 - 29 January 2025
    Location: 16301 Innovation Lane, Fort Myers and Buckingham Environmental Forensics Facility
    Cost: $1,000.00 includes hands-on practical laboratory exercises, lectures, light refreshments, and lunch
    Recommended Attire: Hat, Long sleeve shirt, BDU-style pants, & Field boots
    *Click the link for course and lodging details.*
     

    Price:

    $1,000.00

  • Date: 2 - 4 April 2025
    Training, certification, and lodging details to follow. 
    Cost includes: lectures, PADI search and recovery cetification, training manual, scuba tanks, and daily lunch and snacks. 
    Location: Emergent Technologies Institute (Day 1) and Lake Denton (Days 2 and 3). Consequently, we recommend participants book at least one night near the Emergent Technologies Institute and at least one night near Lake Denton. 

    Price:

    $1,000.00