Fox Cities News

University of Wisconsin Oshkosh senior Hannah Vang is preparing to graduate with a degree in anthropology and a minor in forensic investigation. Vang, who grew up in Appleton as the daughter of Hmong immigrants, initially struggled to find her academic path but has since developed a passion for forensic anthropology.

Vang expressed her enthusiasm for the field, stating, "I love every aspect of it. The scientific methods, the investigation, and the profile you build—it’s like solving a complex puzzle. And knowing that your work can bring closure to families is really rewarding." She plans to work in a medical examiner’s office before pursuing graduate studies.

Vang's interest was piqued by courses at UWO, particularly those taught by anthropology associate professor Jordan Karsten. "Dr. Karsten’s passion for forensic anthropology was infectious," she said. Her involvement in real-world cases under Karsten's mentorship helped solidify her career choice.

Karsten noted the value of hands-on experience: “If you give them a lecture about a forensic process or the way that we would approach a case, they might think that sounds interesting. But when they experience it first-hand, it allows them to just take what they learned in the lecture and actually solidify it."

Despite initial uncertainties about her major and future direction, Vang found confidence through fieldwork experiences and improved study habits during her time at UWO. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “Looking back, I feel so proud of how far I’ve come. I didn’t know what I was doing at first, but now I’ve found my passion.”