Elysia is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Stellenbosch University within the VIZ.Lab and Science for Justice (S4J) Public Square for forensic human identification. Her interdisciplinary work blends forensic art, craniofacial anthropology and face perception psychology to support both forensic identification and archaeological contexts.

At VIZ.Lab, Elysia contributes to craniofacial analysis, reconstruction, and depiction using innovative imaging technologies, continuing her research into how facial texture (surface detail) and display conditions affect recognition. Her involvement in S4J sees her working as a core team member on a national think tank-style initiative focused on improving forensic identification service delivery in South Africa, with the aim of creating practical and scalable solutions for global application.

Elysia completed her PhD at Face Lab, Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU), where she investigated the influence of facial texture, display conditions, finishing effects and environmental context on the recognisability of forensic facial depictions. Her research bridges science, art, and psychology, with a strong emphasis on how forensic and archaeological facial depictions can support identification efforts, education, and acessible storytelling. She has contributed to a range of public-facing outputs, including exhibitions, outreach programmes, and heritage engagement projects within the GLAM and STEM sectors.

Elysia holds an MSc in Forensic Art & Facial Identification from the University of Dundee and a BA(Hons) in Archaeology & Anthropology from the University of Southampton. She is a Practitioner of the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists (PCIfA), a Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute with Certified Forensic Anthropologist (Cert FA-iii) accreditation, and an International Response Team Member for Blake Emergency Services. She is a Member of the International Academy of Legal Medicine (IALM). Forensic Anthropology Society of Europe (FASE) and British Association of Forensic Anthropolofy (BAFA). Elysia also contributes to COST Action CA22106 – Migrant Disaster Victim Identification.

Her broader research portfolio includes contributing to the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) project 'Women at the Edge of Empire', where she produced facial depictions of archaeological individuals to support storytelling, identity representation, and the visualisation of marginalised past populations. She also held a research post at the University of Southampton (2019–2023), where she analysed impact data for the Humanities European Research Area (HERA) programme. This work shaped her early understanding of how academic research can create meaningful benefits beyond academia, directly informing her later roles in research culture and public engagement strategy. 

Previously, Elysia held the roles of Research Culture Officer and Impact Officer within LJMU’s Research and Innovation Services, contributing to institutional strategy around public and community engagement, inclusive research cultures, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Her commitment to equity and inclusion in academia is further supported by her CPD qualification in Leveraging Diversity & Inclusion for Organisational Excellence from Stanford University. Furthermore she has contributed to the development of inclusive research cultures through both strategic leadership and institutional collaboration, including co-founding and serving as Vice-President of the RIDE (Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, Equity) Society at LJMU, and holding a Trustee governance role for LJMU’s Students’ Union.