Ben Weigler has been named director of lab animal medicine at the University of Nevada, Reno.

“Dr. Weigler brings more than 30 years of highly relevant experience,” said Charlene Hart, assistant vice president, research administration. “His range of administrative and scientific expertise includes IACUC leadership, staff education, facility management, infectious disease epidemiology and control, and applied biostatistics.”

Weigler, who joins the University June 1, earned his undergraduate degree and doctor of veterinary medicine degree at Colorado State University. He received a Fulbright scholarship to study the epidemiology of koalas at the University of Queensland in Australia, and went on to complete a master’s in public health at UC Berkeley and a doctorate in philosophy at UC Davis. He was a faculty member at both North Carolina State University and the University of Washington and helped oversee large, complex, multi-species animal care programs at both institutions.

Weigler spent 10 years as director of animal health programs and attending veterinarian with the renowned Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, during a period characterized by facility and research expansion. He has served on two committees for the National Academy of Sciences and on the steering committee for the CDC’s international biosafety symposium. He is board certified by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine and by the American College of Preventive Veterinary Medicine.

Over the years, he has led the efforts of many institutions to achieve and maintain programs accredited by the Association of Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care, a voluntary accreditation signifying compliance with high animal welfare and scientific standards. The University of Nevada, Reno is accredited by AAALAC.

“It is a tremendous privilege for me to join the faculty and staff at the University of Nevada and provide exceptional energy and enthusiasm for maintaining and furthering excellence in all aspects of the University’s animal care programs,” Weigler said.

As director of lab animal medicine, Weigler will be responsible for the oversight of animal care, welfare and facilities at the University. “Ben is top-notch, and he brings a level of expertise and experience that underscores our commitment to the highest standards of animal care,” Mridul Gautam, University vice president for research and innovation, said.

Weigler will relocate to Reno with his wife, Stacie Clark, a watercolor artist, and their two horses, dog and two cats.