Victor Weedn, who oversaw the development of the first portable DNA testing device, which became the basis for the U.S. Postal Service’s anthrax detection equipment, will join Columbian College July 1 as the new chair of the Department of Forensic Sciences. An accomplished forensic pathologist, Weedn helped identify the remains of Czar Nicolas II and service members who died in the Persian Gulf, Vietnam, Korean, and WWII wars. In addition, as the founder and former chief of the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL), he helped break new ground with the use of laser-induced fluorescence and other cutting-edge forensic technologies. Weedn comes to GW from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in Baltimore, where he served as an Assistant Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland.
“The opportunity to be part of one of the oldest and strongest forensic science departments in the United States—and one that boasts a very significant alumni base—is very exciting,” said Weedn. “GW is well known for its proximity to and relations with the federal forensic laboratories and investigatory agencies, and associated part-time faculty. I hope to further build upon the university’s excellent existing programs and increase the program’s research efforts and collaborations within the community.”
Weedn, who assisted with the development of molecular pathology standards for clinical laboratories, continues to be involved in proficiency testing of DNA laboratories. His professional background includes positions as research scientist and professor, with various university appointments in medicine, law, science, public policy, engineering, and forensic science. While at AFDIL, he successfully spearheaded an effort to create a consolidated genetics program within the Department of Defense and helped develop a position paper on genetic privacy for the College of American Pathologists, later testifying before the U.S. Congress on genetic privacy issues. A patent holder, he has held significant leadership positions within the forensic science community and is currently treasurer of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and chair of strategic planning for the National Association of Medical Examiners. He has authored nearly 50 articles for peer-reviewed journals and 35 chapters for books on forensic pathology, molecular pathology, and other topics.
Weedn received his M.D. from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and his JD from South Texas College of Law in Houston, both by the age of 25. His training includes pathology residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas Medical School and an anatomic pathology fellowship at the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute.
“We could not be more pleased that Dr. Weedn has agreed to lead our Department of Forensic Sciences,” said Columbian College Dean Peg Barratt. “He brings impeccable academic credentials and a broad range of experience to the position. I am confident that our degree programs within forensic sciences and the department’s research capacity to develop the forensic science techniques of the future will remain among the best in the world under his guidance.”
The Department of Forensic Sciences, created in 1968, offers graduate degrees in forensic chemistry, molecular biology and toxicology, as well as high tech crime investigation and crime scene investigation. Students learn from forensic scholars and practicing professionals, including law enforcement personnel, medical examiners, crime scene investigators, lawyers, computer forensics and information security professionals.