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Gail Anderson (the 'bug lady') is a professor of forensic entomology in the School of Criminology at Simon Fraser University and has a PhD in medical and veterinary entomology. She serves as a forensics consultant to the RCMP and city police across Canada. Among her many accolades, she was listed in TIME magazine as one of the top five innovators worldwide in criminal justice and recently received the Derome Award from the Canadian Society of Forensic Sciences.
Her first book, Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior, questions the way criminologists have traditionally ignored or dismissed biological factors when attempting to explain criminal behavior. Anderson began her pioneering studies of how insects can provide evidence in homicide cases nearly two decades ago.
The book is dedicated to "my mentor and friend, professor (emerita) Thelma Finlayson, who led the way for Canadian women in science," says Anderson, now a mentor herself to many young scientists. "Thelma has been a constant source of support and strength for me and countless other women scientists. And at 92, she still volunteers two days a week at SFU, counselling students with academic difficulties. She's just amazing."
In layman-friendly language, Anderson's groundbreaking book introduces criminologists and students to contemporary research in genetics, biochemistry, diet and brain disease they might not otherwise encounter in their study of criminal behavior. She explores biological hypotheses such as natural selection and evolution in relation to behaviour, and considers genetic variables including inheritance patterns, sex-linked characteristics and aggressive tendencies. The book introduces criminologists and students, as well as interested general readers to contemporary research in genetics, biochemistry, diet and brain disease.
BOOKS:
Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior (CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group/SFU Publications, 2006) 1420043315
[BCBW 2006]
Her first book, Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior, questions the way criminologists have traditionally ignored or dismissed biological factors when attempting to explain criminal behavior. Anderson began her pioneering studies of how insects can provide evidence in homicide cases nearly two decades ago.
The book is dedicated to "my mentor and friend, professor (emerita) Thelma Finlayson, who led the way for Canadian women in science," says Anderson, now a mentor herself to many young scientists. "Thelma has been a constant source of support and strength for me and countless other women scientists. And at 92, she still volunteers two days a week at SFU, counselling students with academic difficulties. She's just amazing."
In layman-friendly language, Anderson's groundbreaking book introduces criminologists and students to contemporary research in genetics, biochemistry, diet and brain disease they might not otherwise encounter in their study of criminal behavior. She explores biological hypotheses such as natural selection and evolution in relation to behaviour, and considers genetic variables including inheritance patterns, sex-linked characteristics and aggressive tendencies. The book introduces criminologists and students, as well as interested general readers to contemporary research in genetics, biochemistry, diet and brain disease.
BOOKS:
Biological Influences on Criminal Behavior (CRC Press/Taylor and Francis Group/SFU Publications, 2006) 1420043315
[BCBW 2006]
