Alexandra Morton-Hayward

Forensic anthropologist

After six years as an undertaker and embalmer—during which I cared for over 5,000 individuals—I became captivated by the science of decomposition. I was struck by how, just as each of us is unique in life, every body decays in its own way. To explore this further, I completed an MSc in Bioarchaeology & Forensic Anthropology at UCL and then pursued a DPhil at Oxford, where I investigated the molecular pathways of decay by examining the preservation and breakdown of ancient biomolecules in archaeological brains. My current research focuses on post-mortem interactions among molecules, metals, and minerals, using controlled decay experiments to reveal new insights into the fate of human remains.

Find out more:

The Guardian Long Read:
The brain collector: the scientist unravelling the mysteries of grey matter

BBC Lives Less Ordinary:
The mortician, the “werewolf” and the keeper of brains