Since graduating in 2021 with an MSc in Forensic Anthropology and Archaeology (osteology pathway), Tumisang Mbedzi has developed a successful career in forensic science, especially within the humanitarian sector.
The research that she conducted as part of her degree led to her current role as a Primary Investigator in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross. In this position, Tumisang is developing and implementing methods and applications to assist with determining the community affiliations of unidentified bodies, particularly missing migrants within the African communities.
In 2022, Tumisang received a Humanitarian and Human Rights Resource Centre award and grant from the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). The following year, she presented her work at the AAFS 75th Anniversary Conference in Florida. She was also invited to speak in Kigali, Rwanda at the 10th African Society of Forensic Medicine International Conference.
With the ambition to educate and showcase the role of forensic science within African communities, Tumisang implemented a schools project in January 2023. Called 鈥楤ehind The Scenes鈥�, it聽focuses on the importance of forensic science within sectors such as human identification, crime and law enforcement.
Tumisang is also a part of Blake Emergency Services, a global emergency planning and incident response partner offering expertise in responding to mass fatality incidents around the world. As an International Response team member,聽Blake Archaeology &聽Anthropology Services team member and forensic anthropologist, she globally assists in the identification of human remains.
The Alumni of the Year Award judges felt Tumisang deserved commendation for her remarkable journey since graduating in 2021 and her positive impact on others. They commented that,聽鈥淭umisang鈥檚 passion for forensics, coupled with a desire to help underserved communities is truly commendable.鈥�
Tumisang responded to the commendation, saying: 鈥淚 am honoured to receive this award, a testament to my hard work and dedication. This is an encouragement to continue taking up space and standing up audaciously for what I believe in.鈥�
鈥淚 have found navigating the forensic field to be challenging and rewarding at the same time. To break through the barriers and gain a foothold in a space full of established industry experts who dominate for decades takes a lot of determination and perseverance. The endless support and advice I have received from my community, and especially 裸聊直播, has shaped me into the person I am today.鈥�
鈥淚 founded the schools project in Africa to educate young individuals about the importance of forensic sciences and endless聽possibilities within聽the field. There is a need for more people within our community to be represented in leading roles. Moreover, through my work, I show how we can use our integration聽of diverse cultural aspects with modern techniques聽to aid in human identification.鈥�
鈥淟astly, fortune favours the brave. Embrace learning and be courageous to put yourself out there. Almost everyone聽is willing to help you if you just ask!鈥�