2020/03/17

Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency March 13, 2020: DPAA scientist recognized for research excellence

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR-HICKAM, Hawaii, March 13, 2020 —Dr. Gregory E. Berg, lab case manager for the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s (DPAA) scientific analysis directorate, was presented with the 2019 Ellis R. Kerley Research Award during the annual American Academy of Forensic Sciences meeting in Anaheim, Calif., Feb. 19, 2020.

The award annually recognizes one forensic anthropologist who best demonstrates excellence in pursuit of developments in the field of forensic anthropology.

Berg earned this year’s award for his research in intraperson variation in isotopic values, which is directly linked with the establishment of the first Department of Defense ANAB-accredited isotope laboratory, housed at DPAA.

DPAA’s mission is to provide the fullest possible accounting for missing personnel to their families and the nation. To do this, the agency must not only facilitate recovery operations, but must also conduct extensive scientific analysis to identify remains discovered in the field.

Berg explained that in a typical identification process, multiple analysis of the individual’s case history, odontology, anthropology, material evidence, and DNA are all used as a means of pinpointing to one candidate, or missing service member.

“Isotope analysis becomes another scientific aspect of that identification process,” said Berg. “We can separate out U.S. service members from non-U.S. service members using isotope analysis and potentially narrow down the area of the geographical region where someone came from.”

With added isotope analysis capabilities, scientists are able to quickly determine whether remains belong to any missing in action personnel or not, saving time, money, and resources. This analysis does not replace DNA analysis, but is simply an additional step scientists can use before expending further resources.
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