A scientist who has been a trailblazer in DNA testing will chair GW’s forensic sciences department starting July 1.

The University announced Tuesday that Victor Weedn will lead the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences graduate program, which is housed on the Mount Vernon Campus.

Weedn, a forensic pathologist and a lawyer, created the Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory in 1988 to help confirm the identities of soldiers who die on the battlefield. He has also worked as Maryland’s assistant medical examiner and as Carnegie Mellon University’s director of biotechnology and health initiatives.

“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,” Weedn said in a release.

“I hope to further build upon the university’s excellent existing programs and increase the program’s research efforts and collaborations within the community,” he added.