Douglas W. Van Citters

Douglas W. Van Citters is the Interim Dean and Professor of Engineering at the Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth College. He also holds adjunct professorships in Chemistry and Orthopaedics. His research focuses on musculoskeletal biomaterials, biomechanics, and implantable devices, with a particular emphasis on artificial joints and polymer materials. His lab, the Dartmouth Biomedical Engineering Center for Orthopaedics (DBEC), houses over 23,000 retrieved implants, supporting research on wear, design, and failure analysis. He has earned awards such as the Woodhouse Excellence in Teaching Award (2019) and the Outstanding Service Award for Faculty (2020).

Van Citters earned his AB, BE/MS, and PhD in Engineering Sciences at Dartmouth (1999, 2003, 2006). He joined the faculty in 2007 and has held leadership roles, including Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education. His interdisciplinary collaborations span biomaterials, orthopaedics, and medical device innovation. He advises on Formula Hybrid and serves on committees at Dartmouth and the Geisel School of Medicine.

His research interests include orthopaedic failure analysis, polymer processing, and implantable technology. Key projects involve new materials for joint replacements, biomechanics monitoring, and device design. His work has led to over a dozen patents, including innovations in bone cement, implant fixation, and joint alignment systems.

Van Citters teaches courses such as ENGS 33 (Solid Mechanics) and ENGS 84 (Reading Course). He actively engages students through research and entrepreneurship programs, emphasizing Dartmouth's human-centered approach to engineering education and innovation.