David Blake

David Blake is Professor of Biology at Fort Lewis College's School of Arts & Sciences, specializing in microbiology, immunology, and pulmonary toxicology. His research bridges cellular/molecular biology with environmental health, focusing on pulmonary macrophage responses to toxins and pathogen inhibition.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Integrated Microbiology and Biochemistry from the University of Montana (2007), an M.S. in Biochemistry from the same institution (2005), and a B.A. in Biology from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to Fort Lewis, he conducted postdoctoral research at Johns Hopkins University on Nrf2 in COPD.

Blake's research spans pulmonary toxicology, antimicrobial discovery, and organ-on-chip technology. His laboratory investigates cellular antioxidant/oxidative balance alterations caused by environmental toxins and pathogens, while developing natural compounds against Leishmaniasis and Varicella zoster. Current projects include biodegradable porous silicon membranes for lung-on-a-chip devices and sulforaphane-based leishmaniasis treatments.

His publication record demonstrates interdisciplinary work across

• nanotechnology for pulmonary disease modeling
• metal-based prodrug development
• CRISPR applications in lung cancer
• Klotho protein's protective mechanisms

Award highlights include dual FLC Skyhawk Awards (2012, 2016) and the Immunotoxicology Young Investigator Travel Award (2012).

Blake has mentored over 120 undergraduates and six K-12 students, many through the NIGMS-MARC U-STAR program. His lab groups currently include 7 FLC undergraduates across two projects. Major funding sources include NIGMS ($410K SC3 SCORE grant, $120K in pilot projects), NSF ($15K), and Society of Toxicology ($2K).

His international work includes teaching environmental health courses in Costa Rica through the University Studies Abroad Consortium, reflecting his commitment to global health perspectives.