Forensic Ornithologist Discovered New Science To Aid Aviation Safety

The founder of "forensic ornithology," a science specifically designed to help reduce the number and severity of bird strikes on aircraft, died August 7th after a lengthy illness. Ms. Laybourne was 92.

In the wake of a bird strike, Roxie figured out a way to discover the genus of the bird by what was left of its feathers. She became involved in the research after a Lockheed Electra, departing Boston, ran into a flight of starlings and crashed. Sixty-two people on board were killed.

Roxie worked at the Smithsonian's Museum of Natural History, where she became a guru on identifying birds after the fact. Her research led to the improvement of fan blades in jet engines. Because of her efforts, the Air Force developed stronger canopies for its warplanes. In 1966, Roxie was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Air Force Bird Strike Committee.

Roxie Laybourne was born in Fayetteville (NC) in 1910. She graduated Meredith College in Raleigh, then went on to her Master's at George Washington University. Ms. Laybourne joined the Smithsonian in 1944. She's survived by two sons, seven grandchildren and her brothers and sisters. Funeral services will be held August 22nd.

FMI: http://safety.kirtland.af.mil/AFSC/Bash/wild.html