Gavin Garner

Gavin Garner is an Associate Professor at the University of Virginia's School of Engineering and Applied Science, Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering. He joined the faculty in 2009 after completing his Ph.D. at UVA and working as a mechanical engineer at AMF Bowling Worldwide. His research focuses on mechatronics, human-machine interfaces, and biomedical engineering applications such as automated tissue fabrication. He advises UVA's ASME and Pi Tau Sigma student chapters.

• Education:
  • Bachelor's in Physics from Colby College
  • M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering from University of Virginia
• Research Highlights:
  • Developed FEBE bioreactor systems for tissue engineering
  • Advances in 3D-printed diagnostic devices and microfluidics
  • Interdisciplinary education projects like guitar-building for mechatronics

Recent work includes automated biofabrication systems for muscle repair and low-cost diagnostic tools. His 2018 Jefferson Scholars Foundation award supported innovative engineering research. Teaching emphasizes hands-on projects like mechatronics labs, autonomous quadcopters, and bio-manufacturing systems.

• Key Contributions:
  • Over 15 patents and peer-reviewed publications
  • Student projects include UVA's award-winning ASME competition teams
  • Collaborations with medical researchers for tissue-engineered therapies