Tumisang Thabo Mbedzi

Tumisang graduated from BU in 2021 with a Master’s in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (Osteology pathway). Her research landed her a role as a Primary Investigator in a collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Tumisang has been building on this body of work within the forensic humanitarian sector to aid with the identification of missing migrants. In 2022, she was a recipient of the Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Centre grant award from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). In 2023 she presented her work at the AAFS 75th Anniversary Conference in Florida, Orlando. She was also invited to speak in Kigali, Rwanda at the 10th African Society of Forensic Medicine International Conference.

In January 2023, she implemented an African schools project called ‘Behind The Scenes’. This programme aims to educate and showcase the role of forensic science in various sectors within African communities. These include human identification, crime and law enforcement.

Tumisang says: “My journey to becoming a forensic expert has been nothing short of amazing. It has taken a lot of determination and tenacity. I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with world-renowned experts, which has enabled me to share and develop my work globally, improving forensic identification in mass fatality incidents and migration. This year's biggest achievement was launching my African schools project. There is a need for more African forensic experts, and I hope this platform will motivate young people to explore the field. Lastly, I am grateful to all my professors who believed in me throughout my studies and continue to support me to this very day.”