Samantha J. Sawyer, PhD, M-ABFE

Dr. Samantha Sawyer is a decomposition ecologist and board-certified forensic entomologist. Her research explores the ecology of necrophagous insects and other scavengers to better understand their role in ecosystem functioning. Her research also examines how biological and chemical agents (including pathogens, pharmaceuticals, and environmental toxins) affect insect development and behavior, improving the interpretation of insect evidence in forensic contexts. Additionally, her research explores applying necrophagous insect ecology to assess ecological threats and survey for biological and chemical toxins in an environment. Her work in basic ecology is applicable to public health and forensic contexts.

In addition to her research, Dr. Sawyer's expertise provides insight to neglect, abuse, and Time of Colonization (TOC) of insects on remains in forensic cases. This can establish a forensically important timeline aiding investigators, medical examiners, veterinarians, and private citizens. Dr. Sawyer also utilizes insects as environmental sentinels, providing insight to chemical and biological contamination in environments.

Dr. Sawyer is a Board-Certified Forensic Entomologist through the American Board of Forensic Entomology (ABFE), is a member of the North American Forensic Entomology Association (NAFEA), the Medical, Urban, and Veterinary Entomology section of the Entomological Society of America (ESA), and is a member of the Pathology/Biology section of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (AAFS). 

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Samantha Sawyer has worked with and trained law enforcement at the local, state, and federal level. She has also worked with veterinarians, medical examiners, and attorneys regarding entomological evidence and their role in criminal and civil litigation.