5 Questions with… Ann Ross, forensic anthropologist at N.C. State University

A board-certified forensic anthropologist, Ann Ross is a member of the U.S. Federal disaster team that has been deployed on identification missions after Hurricane Katrina and Haiti earthquake and has done humanitarian casework in areas including the Former Yugoslavia, Republic of Panama and Chile. Ross will also be a speaker at our 2019 WINnovation event, featuring women in business. We asked her a few quick questions in advance of her talk. 


What’s the first thing you do when you wake up?

I start my coffee pot. After that I actually let my dogs go outside, then my cats are ready to eat me and are screaming at me, they get fed first, then I feed my son Alex, then I sit down with cup of coffee. And once it’s in my hands don’t talk to me, don’t look at me, don’t want to hear you breathe, just give me some time.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Difficult to say. I do recall once of my mentors told me I need to be broadly trained, well-rounded, don’t back yourself into a corner or a niche especially in the realm of forensics that I do, back yourself out of a job. You need to be well-versed in all aspects of human ID but of course you’ll have speciality; keep up with literature.

What are you reading these days?

Currently reading a book by Dominick Dunne, The Two Mrs. Greensvilles. 

What do you listen to on the way to work?

Either listen to NPR or music. My son is 14 and makes fun of me, I like things like 21 Pilots and River Run North. 

What’s your go-to spot for a business lunch?

Depends what kind of business, if it’s academic business that involves beers, if it’s business business, my two favorites are Glenwood Grill and Coquette. We usually go to Cameron Village from the vet school, and just find a spot.

You can hear more from Ross at our annual WINnovation summit September 20. Buy tickets here