(FORT WAYNE) - A forensic scientist based in Fort Wayne is being recognized at the state level for her work in criminal investigations.
Hannah Dygert, a Forensic Scientist II with the Indiana State Police, has been named the agency's 2025 Forensic Scientist of the Year.
The award was presented during the Indiana State Police annual awards ceremony held April 21 in Indianapolis.
Dygert works in the Forensic Firearm Identification Unit at the Fort Wayne Regional Laboratory, where she has been assigned since 2021.
State Police say she completed 404 cases in 2025, well above the unit average of 264.
Officials also highlighted her work with investigators and attorneys on complex cases, along with her courtroom testimony in seven cases.
Dygert has contributed to research and training in the field, including publishing work in a professional journal and presenting at a regional firearms training seminar.
She also serves on a committee with the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners and has assisted with safety and training efforts at the Fort Wayne lab.
State Police say her work has helped maintain manageable case backlogs and strengthen forensic operations in the region.