David Bark

Dr. David Bark serves as Associate Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University with a primary appointment in the School of Biomedical Engineering, conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of engineering, hematology, and vascular surgery.

His academic credentials include:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign (2004)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2007)
• Ph.D. in Bioengineering from Georgia Institute of Technology (2010)

His laboratory investigates mechanical stress impacts on cardiovascular cell and protein function, with specialized expertise in blood-device interactions for mechanical circulatory support systems and artificial heart valves. Research encompasses biofluid dynamics, thrombosis mechanisms, and medical device innovation for cardiovascular diagnostics and therapeutics.

Dr. Bark has received significant recognition including the ISTH Early Career Award and AHA Career Development Award, demonstrating sustained excellence in both research and teaching.

• 2019: ISTH Early Career Award & Golden Screw Teaching Award
• 2018: American Heart Association Career Development Award
• 2016-2017: NIH F32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellowship
• 2015: NHLBI F32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Fellowship
• 2012: Monash University Travel Grant
• 2005: Honeywell Bravo Bronze Award

His research program is supported by competitive federal funding including NIH and AHA grants, with ongoing projects advancing blood-compatible medical technologies. While specific graduate student names aren't listed, his lab actively trains biomedical engineering researchers in experimental hemodynamics and device development.

As Chair of the ISTH Biorheology Scientific Standardization Committee, he leads international efforts to establish fluid-mechanics standards for thrombosis research while directing laboratory investigations into cardiovascular device optimization.