About Us
Our team
Dr. Leon G. Higley
Leon is a Professor of Applied Ecology and Forensic Science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He has a BA in chemistry from Cornell University and an MS in entomology and PhD in entomology and crop physiology from Iowa State University. His research areas include forensic entomology, thermal biology of tiger beetles, plant physiological responses to insect injury (particularly photosynthesis), pest management decision making, and other issues in ecophysiology. Leon is the recipient of various research and teaching awards, including the NCB-ESA C. V. Riley Award and the Entomological Society of America Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching. He is the author of over 145 peer-reviewed publications, over 25 book chapters, and 5 books. Leon also serves as a subject editor for the journals Biology and Insects.
(Although this picture is of Leon in the co-pilot seat of a Ford Tri-Motor, he is not a pilot.
He is an enthusiastic flight simmer, however.)
Our team
Dr. Amanda L. Roe
Amanda is the Assistant Dean of Sciences and Professional Studies, an Associate Professor of Biology, and the Director of the Forensic Science program at College of Saint Mary. She has a BS in agroecology with a minor in insect science from the University of Wyoming, and an MS in entomology and a PhD in applied ecology from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Amanda’s research areas include forensic entomology, blow fly development, decompositional ecology, and general insect ecology. She is the recipient of numerous awards including the Catherine McAuley Award for Teaching Excellence, Inspiring Excellence Award, and the BCE & ACE Certified Entomologists of Mid-America Entomology Educational Project Award. She is the author of 11 peer-reviewed publications, including the largest blow fly maggot developmental data set in the world.
Our History
We started Death and Decomp Sciences in the Fall of 2017, but have been working cases since 2002. We have worked 29 total cases: 23 homicides, 3 myiasis, 1 death investigations, 1 plagiarism (digital analysis), 1 food contamination and our work has involved 3 countries and 8 states.
Our Logo
What Does It Mean
We designed our logo to resemble golden fly ornaments and amulets of ancient Egypt. In the desert, the biting flies are vicious and relentless. Almost 3,500 years ago, golden flies were given to especially brave soldiers as acknowledgements of their persistence. We close the golden fly for our logo both because we primarily work with blow flies and because we embrace the notion of relentlessly seeking the truth.