About this episode
The episode explores the groundbreaking work of Roxie Laybourne, the first forensic ornithologist, and her impact on aviation safety and crime investigation.
With only a microscope and a collection of birds, taxidermist Roxie Laybourne became the world’s first forensic ornithologist. The “feather detective” was on the case, examining pieces of plumage to solve mysteries. From bird strikes that caused plane accidents to homicide investigations, no case was too big. In the process, Roxie changed the world of aviation safety and crime investigation forever. Even now, feathers are unraveling a new type of mystery, as scientists from the Bird Genoscape Project use them to map the migratory routes of birds. Guests: Chris Sweeney – Journalist and author of “The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne” Kristen Ruegg – Co-Director of the Bird Genoscape Project and Associate Professor of Biology at Colorado State University Featuring music by Dewey Dellay and Jun Miyake Big Picture Science is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Please contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to inquire about advertising on Big Picture Science. You can get early access to ad-free versions of every episode by joining us on Patreon. Thanks for your support! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
People in this episode
Host: Big Picture Science
Guests: Chris Sweeney, Kristen Ruegg
Topics covered
- forensic ornithology
- aviation safety
- crime investigation
- bird migration
- feather analysis
Keywords
- forensic ornithology
- aviation safety
- bird migration
- feather detective
- Roxie Laybourne
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Bird Genoscape Project, Airwave Media
Books & works: The Feather Detective: Mystery, Mayhem, and the Magnificent Life of Roxie Laybourne
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