# Kathy Reichs

> American writer and forensic anthropologist

**Wikidata**: [Q298221](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298221)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kathy_Reichs)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kathy-reichs

## Summary
Kathy Reichs is an American forensic anthropologist and writer best known for her work in both academia and crime fiction. She is a professor and researcher in forensic anthropology, and the creator of the popular *Temperance Brennan* book series, which inspired the television series *Bones*.

## Biography
- **Born**: July 7, 1948
- **Nationality**: American
- **Education**:
  - Davidson College (Bachelor's degree)
  - Northwestern University (Ph.D. in Anthropology)
- **Known for**: Pioneering contributions to forensic anthropology and authoring the *Temperance Brennan* novel series.
- **Employer(s)**:
  - University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Professor)
  - Northern Illinois University (Professor)
  - McGill University (Professor)
  - FBI Academy (Consultant)
- **Field(s)**: Forensic anthropology, crime fiction writing, academic research

## Contributions
Kathy Reichs has made significant contributions in both forensic anthropology and literature:
- **Forensic Anthropology**:
  - Worked as a consultant for the FBI Academy and various medical examiners' offices.
  - Conducted research in bioarchaeology and forensic science, contributing to legal investigations.
  - Published academic papers and participated in high-profile cases involving human remains identification.
- **Literature**:
  - Authored the *Temperance Brennan* novel series, beginning with *Déjà Dead* (1997), which won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
  - The series inspired the TV show *Bones*, where she served as a producer and consultant.
  - Wrote over 20 novels in the series, blending forensic science with crime fiction.
- **Academic Work**:
  - Taught at multiple universities, including Northwestern University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and McGill University.
  - Conducted research in paleoanthropology and forensic science, contributing to the field's advancement.

## FAQs
### **What is Kathy Reichs best known for?**
Kathy Reichs is best known as a forensic anthropologist and the author of the *Temperance Brennan* novel series, which inspired the TV show *Bones*.

### **Where has Kathy Reichs worked?**
She has held academic positions at Northwestern University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Northern Illinois University, and McGill University. She has also consulted for the FBI Academy.

### **What awards has Kathy Reichs received?**
She won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel for *Déjà Dead* and has received honorary doctorates, including one from Concordia University.

### **How did Kathy Reichs influence forensic anthropology?**
Her work in forensic anthropology has advanced the field through research, consulting on legal cases, and educating future forensic scientists.

### **What is the connection between Kathy Reichs and the TV show *Bones*?**
Her *Temperance Brennan* novels inspired the TV series *Bones*, where she served as a producer and consultant.

## Why They Matter
Kathy Reichs has bridged the gap between forensic science and popular culture. Her academic work has advanced forensic anthropology, while her novels have made the field accessible to a broader audience. The *Temperance Brennan* series and *Bones* have influenced crime fiction and forensic science representation in media. Her dual career as a scientist and writer has inspired both students and readers, demonstrating the real-world applications of forensic anthropology.

## Notable For
- Authoring the *Temperance Brennan* novel series, starting with *Déjà Dead* (1997).
- Serving as a producer and consultant for the TV series *Bones*.
- Winning the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
- Holding academic positions at prestigious universities, including Northwestern and McGill.
- Consulting for the FBI Academy and medical examiners' offices.
- Receiving an honorary doctorate from Concordia University.
- Pioneering research in forensic anthropology and bioarchaeology.

## Body
### **Early Life and Education**
Kathy Reichs was born on July 7, 1948. She earned her Bachelor's degree from Davidson College and her Ph.D. in Anthropology from Northwestern University.

### **Academic Career**
Reichs has held teaching and research positions at several universities:
- **Northwestern University**: Early academic work.
- **University of North Carolina at Charlotte**: Long-term professorship.
- **Northern Illinois University**: Teaching and research.
- **McGill University**: Contributions to forensic anthropology education.
- **FBI Academy**: Consulting on forensic cases.

### **Forensic Anthropology Work**
- Consulted for medical examiners' offices and law enforcement agencies.
- Conducted research in bioarchaeology and forensic science.
- Applied anthropological methods to legal investigations, aiding in human remains identification.

### **Literary Career**
- **Novels**: The *Temperance Brennan* series, starting with *Déjà Dead* (1997), blends forensic science with crime fiction.
- **Awards**: Won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel.
- **TV Adaptation**: The series inspired *Bones*, where she served as a producer and consultant.

### **Awards and Recognition**
- **Arthur Ellis Award**: For *Déjà Dead*.
- **Honorary Doctorate**: From Concordia University.
- **Crime Writers of Canada Awards of Excellence**: Recognition for her contributions to crime fiction.

### **Legacy and Influence**
Kathy Reichs has shaped forensic anthropology through her academic work and popularized the field through her novels and TV adaptations. Her career demonstrates the intersection of science and storytelling, inspiring both students and readers.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Czech National Authority Database
3. BnF authorities
4. [Kathy Reichs](https://kathyreichs.com/about-kathy/)
5. [University of North Carolina at Charlotte](https://anthropology.uncc.edu/node/89)
6. The International Who's Who of Women 2006
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. MusicBrainz
9. IMDb
10. Internet Speculative Fiction Database
11. NooSFere
12. Discogs
13. Babelio
14. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
15. Open Library
16. CONOR.SI
17. Google Knowledge Graph
18. Goodreads
19. Quora
20. LinkedIn
21. The Movie Database