He earned his Ph.D. in 1997 (Sociology) from the University of Nebraska, M .A. in 1993 (Applied Sociology) from the University of Central Florida, and a B.S. in 1988 (Criminology) from Auburn University. He is a former probation officer with the Florida Department of Corrections. Major research and teaching interests include lethal violence, substance use, and homeland security/terrorism. Dr. Weaver is a member of the Homicide Research Working Group, the AU Homeland Security Education Initiative, Police Futurists International, and the International Association of Crime Analysts.