William Weiner

William Weiner serves as Department Head of Biology and Biomedical Engineering and Associate Professor at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, where he specializes in circadian rhythms, neural sensory processing, and invertebrate vision—particularly in horseshoe crabs. Recognized nationally as one of America’s ‘Best 300 Professors’ by the Princeton Review (2012), he excels in integrating engineering principles into biological education and maximizing student potential through innovative teaching methods.

His academic credentials include a PhD in Neuroscience (2000) and BS in Bioengineering (1991), both from Syracuse University.

Dr. Weiner’s research explores fundamental biological mechanisms in neural systems, with emphasis on how light regulates structural rhythms in horseshoe crab eyes and the underlying sensory processing. His work bridges neuroscience and engineering, examining circadian control in visual systems and developing signal processing techniques for neural data analysis. This interdisciplinary approach extends to culturing amebocytes from horseshoe crab gill books for potential biomedical applications.

His publication history reveals a sustained focus on invertebrate vision and circadian biology since the 1990s, evolving from visual field mapping to advanced neural spike train analysis and algorithm development. Key themes include photostasis mechanisms, seasonal adaptation in neural structures, and engineering solutions for biological data interpretation.

Major recognitions include:

• One of America’s ‘Best 300 Professors’, Princeton Review, 2012
• Dean’s Outstanding Teacher, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2008
• Teacher of the Year, Triangle Fraternity, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, 2011

He has mentored multiple Goldwater Scholars and actively supports undergraduate research, while leading the Grand Challenges After-School Project to develop STEM activities for elementary students. His teaching portfolio spans human physiology, general biology, electrical systems, and biocontrols, reflecting his commitment to cross-disciplinary education.

Current research involves ongoing studies of horseshoe crab visual systems and circadian rhythms, with laboratory work focused on amebocyte culturing and neural sensitivity regulation in natural lighting conditions.