About
Dr. Lauren M. Weidner is an Associate Professor of Forensic Entomology in the School of Interdisciplinary Forensics at Arizona State University's New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. She is the director of the Forensic Entomology and Wildlife Lab (FEWL), where her research focuses on the ecology of forensically important insects, blow fly biodiversity in arid environments, and the application of entomology to wildlife forensics and criminal investigations.
Dr. Weidner earned her Ph.D. in Entomology from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey in 2016 and her B.Sc. in Forensic Science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York. Before joining ASU in 2019, she served as a Postdoctoral Research Associate and Continuing Lecturer at Purdue University.
Her research has been funded by the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, Western National Parks Association, and multiple ASU Seed Grants, with industry support from several organizations. She has been recognized with numerous awards including the 2024 Fulbright Specialist designation, and has served as President of the North American Forensic Entomology Association (2022–2024).
Education
Selected Awards & Recognition
- 2025 Excellence in Community Engagement — New College, ASU
- 2025 Pacific Branch Distinction in Student Mentoring Award — ESA Pacific Branch
- 2024 Fulbright Specialist — Host: Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia
- 2023 Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology Award — ESA Pacific Branch
- 2023 Outstanding Service Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence — New College, ASU
- 2021 Excellence in Early Career Award — ESA Pacific Branch