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About Us

The Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility (STAFS) is a state‑of‑the‑art training and research center that builds practical forensic skills through hands‑on work with willed‑body donations. Our program strengthens expertise in forensic anthropology, human anatomy, and related forensic sciences while supporting education, research, and professional development.

OUR Mission

Our mission is to strengthen forensic science through ethical whole‑body donation, enabling high‑quality research, education, and hands‑on training for the medicolegal community.

Our History  

The Southeast Texas Applied Forensic Science Facility (STAFS) is a dedicated forensic research and training center located on more than 50 acres of secure, wooded land in Huntsville, Texas. As part of ¸£Àû¼§, STAFS provides a controlled outdoor environment where willed‑body donations support advanced study in human decomposition, forensic anthropology, and related forensic sciences.Since the facility opened in 2009, STAFS has had the honor of serving over 825 families through it's forensic willed body donation program. 

The facility serves as a hands‑on training ground for students, investigators, and professionals, offering realistic scenarios that strengthen skills in search and recovery, human identification, and death investigation. Through its forensic willed‑body donation program, STAFS fosters meaningful scientific research, practical education, and professional development while honoring the individuals and families who make this work possible.

Interested in learning more?

Contact STAFS today!

936-294-2310

stafs@shsu.edu

Meet the Team

The program’s operations are supported by key ¸£Àû¼§ faculty, along with dedicated staff and students who contribute to its daily work and ongoing research.

Dr. Sheree Hughes

Director

Dr. Sheree Hughes earned her PhD from Bond University in Australia, specializing in forensic DNA typing for highly degraded samples from mass disasters, shipwrecks, and missing‑person cases. She brings more than 15 years of experience in human anatomy and forensic osteology. As an Associate Professor of Forensic Science at ¸£Àû¼§, she integrates her expertise in anatomy, DNA analysis, and forensic anthropology to investigate challenging biological samples for human identification and forensic intelligence.

Dr. Mayra Eduardoff

Interim Assistant Director of Research, Information Systems & Global Engagement

Dr. Mayra Eduardoff is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Science at ¸£Àû¼§ specializing in forensic genetics, DNA method development, and emerging typing technologies. She holds a PhD in Genetics & Genomics from the Medical University of Innsbruck, along with advanced degrees in molecular biology, biology, economics, French, and business administration. Her career includes leading DNA laboratories and coordinating forensic identification efforts for international organizations, with extensive experience in ISO 17025‑accredited testing, missing‑person identification, and forensic training. Her research and professional contributions continue to advance forensic genetics, particularly in the identification of missing persons and degraded human remains.

Dr. Shelby Garza

Forensic Anthropologist

An assistant professor at ¸£Àû¼§ in the Department of Forensic Science. I have a PhD in Applied Anthropology from Texas State University with forensic anthropological training and experience as well as teaching courses and workshops with topics in forensic anthropology, human osteology, skeletal methods, and methods in human remains recovery.

Haeli Kennedy

Lab Manager

Haeli completed a BS in Criminal Justice, with a Minor in Forensic Science, at ¸£Àû¼§. She has been with the STAFS since 2016, first working as a Lab Assistant, before becoming the Lab Manager. She has professional experience with search and recovery of remains, as well as assistance with casework. She supervises the Willed Body Donation Program, manages the daily operations, and supervises all personnel and researchers at the STAFS Facility. She deeply appreciates any donation STAFS receives, as they are all valuable gifts.

Hannah Cervenka

Funeral Director & Donation Specialist

Hannah Cervenka graduated from ¸£Àû¼§ in 2017 with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and minors in Business and Forensic Anthropology. She served STAFS from 2016–2019 as a student volunteer, intern, and research assistant before completing her funeral directing certification at the Commonwealth Institute of Funeral Services and earning her Texas funeral director’s license in 2021. Hannah is deeply grateful to STAFS donors and their families, whose generosity makes the program possible.

Contact STAFS

Hours of Operation & Location

8am-5pm, Monday-Friday

PO Box 2529, Huntsville, TX 77341

Phone:

936-294-2310