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Welcome to STAFS
The Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility (STAFS) is a state‑of‑the‑art training center dedicated to advancing research, education, and training in forensic anthropology, human anatomy, forensic science, biology, and chemistry. Whole‑body donors entrusted to STAFS are essential to these efforts, providing invaluable contributions to scientific research, student instruction, and professional training for investigators, law enforcement, and forensic practitioners.
Since opening in 2009, the STAFS forensic willed‑body donation program has had the honor of serving hundreds of donors and their families. Nestled within the dense, subtropical forest of Huntsville, Texas, the STAFS facility operates on more than 50 acres, making the program the largest human taphonomy facility on record in the world.
Interdisciplinary Studies
STAFS is a comprehensive program that supports research, education, and training across multiple forensic and scientific disciplines.
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Anthropology
STAFS facilitates forensic anthropology and taphonomic research using its outdoor decomposition facility and diverse skeletal collection.
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Biology
Biologists access STAFS resources to investigate topics such as the microbiome, forensic entomology, forensic genetics, proteomics, and human anatomy.
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Forensic Science
STAFS provides an opportunity to conduct research across the major forensic disciplines including forensic biology, chemistry, and physical/pattern evidence.
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Chemistry
Research examining soil chemistry, geology, toxicology, and other decomposition-related chemistry projects are conducted at STAFS.
Our Motto
“Finis coronat opus” — “the end crowns the work.” At STAFS, this idea reflects how a person’s life story is preserved in the physical record of the human body. Illnesses, injuries, and other life events leave traces—whether a healed fracture from childhood or skeletal changes from disease. At the end of life, our bodies stand as a testament to those experiences.
Forensic scientists and students study these physical markers to gain valuable insight into disease, trauma, biological variation, and identification. These observations support research, strengthen investigative techniques, and enhance training for the medicolegal community.
At STAFS, the human body—one’s final “crown”—is treated with dignity and respect. Each donor plays an essential role in advancing applied science and improving forensic practices for the benefit of others.
News
Contact STAFS
Hours of Operation & Location
8am-5pm, Monday-Friday
PO Box 2529, Huntsville, TX 77341
Email:
Phone:
936-294-2310