UWF student selected for Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency paid internship

Phoenix Farnham, a graduate student in the University of West Florida's Department of Anthropology, was selected for a paid internship with the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, a highly competitive program focused on forensic anthropology. Farnham was one of only six students nationwide chosen for this prestigious opportunity out of a pool of 135 applicants. The internship is funded by the Department of the Navy, Office of Naval Research through partnership with DPAA.

"This really speaks highly of Phoenix's talent as well as the commitment of Dr. Allysha Winburn and the rest of our Anthropology faculty," said Dr. David Earle, dean of the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities. "This is a perfect example of how we train students for competitive professions."

The internship took place at the DPAA's laboratory at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, where Farnham spent the summer collecting data for her master's thesis on the resolution of commingling - the intermixing of human remains. Farnham's research contributed to the agency's ongoing mission of recovering and identifying fallen U.S. service members from past conflicts.

Farnham was able to sharpen several skills, such as interpreting skeletal trauma and working with large, commingled assemblages, exploring methods to help with the resolution of difficult cases. She also gained experience with new skills such as evidence intake, DNA sampling, X-ray analyses and photography. Professionals from outside of the discipline, such as historians, life-support investigators, odontologists and case coordinators, were brought in to help the interns understand how their knowledge, alongside anthropology, helps the mission come together.

"I feel so lucky to have participated in this internship and contributed to the DPAA mission," Farnham said. "The experience was unique to each intern, allowing me to blend my interests with the goals of the lab. Because of this, my mentors and I had the ability to curate my daily tasks and interact with individuals that broadened my knowledge of forensic anthropology, while simultaneously gaining exposure to working in an accredited laboratory and collaborating with a variety of individuals."

Prior to this internship, Farnham had already contributed to the DPAA mission. In 2023, she was part of a team of undergraduate and graduate students that excavated the site of a World War II bomber crash in Germany. Their work led to the identification of First Lieutenant Wylie W. Leverett, who was lost during a bombing mission in 1944. This success underscores the vital role that Farnham and other forensic anthropologists play in bringing closure to families of fallen soldiers.

Farnham's thesis will explore challenges faced by forensic anthropologists when resolving commingling in cases of mass disasters and military conflicts. Her internship provided invaluable hands-on experience, enhancing her understanding of forensic science and contributing to her planned career in the field of forensic anthropology.

"It is difficult to put into words what this opportunity has meant to me, but simply put, I feel incredibly blessed," Farnham said. "The DPAA's mission is quite powerful, and the idea of helping these families by accounting for the remains of their loved ones resonates deeply with me."

In recognition of her contributions, Farnham was presented with a challenge coin - a military tradition that recognizes outstanding achievement and is a token of respect. In the military and government-service communities, receiving a challenge coin is considered a high honor.

"The DPAA is one of our discipline's flagship institutions," said Dr. Allysha Winburn, associate professor of anthropology. "Generations of forensic anthropologists have learned their trade while contributing to this important mission. I couldn't be prouder of the fact that Phoenix is now among them, and I can't think of anyone more deserving of the honor."

The DPAA is the world's largest forensic anthropology laboratory and works to identify the remains of U.S. service members who have died in past conflicts. This internship program marks a significant step for the Department of Defense, as it is the first time in the agency's history that paid internships have been offered to students.

Farnham's selection highlights UWF's commitment to workforce readiness and the significant contributions of its students to national and international efforts in forensic anthropology. As Farnham noted, "There aren't enough thanks in the world for my academic advisor, Dr. Allysha Winburn. Her integrity and ethics are inspiring, as well as being a brilliant mentor. She has been amazing at helping me work to visualize and achieve my academic and professional goals."

For more information on UWF's Department of Anthropology and its research initiatives, visit uwf.edu/anthropology.