Keith E. Cook

Dr. Keith E. Cook is the David Edward Schramm Professor and Head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He oversees the department's academic programs, research initiatives, and strategic direction while maintaining an active research laboratory focused on artificial organ development.

Dr. Cook's educational background includes a dual B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science from the University of Michigan (1993), followed by an M.S. (1996) and Ph.D. (2000) in Biomedical Engineering from Northwestern University. Prior to his current position at CMU, he served as a Research Associate Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Surgery at the University of Michigan.

Dr. Cook's research program centers on developing artificial and biofabricated lungs for long-term respiratory support. His work integrates mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and material science principles to address critical challenges in artificial organ development. Key research themes include:

• Design and testing of artificial lungs intended as destination therapy for years of respiratory support
• Development of biofabricated tissue-based lungs using biological materials
• Innovation of biomaterials with endothelial-like properties to enhance blood compatibility
• Creation of contact system inhibitors to prevent clot formation on artificial surfaces
• Development of perfluorocarbon emulsions for pulmonary drug delivery

Dr. Cook's research group has achieved several milestones, including conducting the first 24-hour, one-week, and 30-day in vivo studies of thoracic artificial lungs. His laboratory's work bridges fundamental engineering principles with clinical applications in critical care medicine, particularly for patients with chronic lung disease who are not candidates for lung transplantation.

Dr. Cook has received numerous scientific accolades, including:

• Election as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) in 2018
• Service as Section Editor for the ASAIO Journal since 2007
• University of Michigan Research Faculty Recognition Award in 2011
• Michigan Society for Medical Research Bennett J. Cohen Education Leadership Award in 2011
• Multiple Top Abstract awards from the American Society of Artificial Internal Organs

Dr. Cook serves as the Faculty Director of the Bioengineered Organs Initiative at CMU and as the CMU-side director of the Mayo Clinic - Carnegie Mellon Transforming Transplant initiative. His laboratory team includes research investigators, surgical fellows, technicians, and graduate students working collaboratively on various aspects of artificial organ development. Current funding includes an $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Army to develop permanent at-home artificial lung support systems and a $1.45 million grant from the U.S. Army Congressionally Directed Medical Research programs for pulmonary assist system development.

Dr. Cook's laboratory maintains strong collaborations with clinical partners at Mayo Clinic and other medical institutions, facilitating the translation of engineering innovations to clinical applications. His work has significant implications for patients with chronic respiratory failure who currently have limited treatment options beyond lung transplantation.