He is a Fellow and past Vice President of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences; a Diplomate, and past President, of the American Board of Forensic Anthropology, Inc.;and is a recipient of the "Kansas Attorney General's Certificate of Merit" in recognition of outstanding service rendered to law enforcement in and for the State of Kansas by a private citizen.
He has conducted research in Africa, Australia, the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe, as well as various areas of North and South America.
He has served the academy in numerous capacities, including section representative on the board of directors and as vice president.
When he is called to a case, Finnegan determines the deceased's physical characteristics, establishes approximate time of death and keeps authorities informed of his progress.
He has identified downed American pilots in Vietnam, dissidents in Eastern Europe and even Jesse James.