Conrad M. Zapanta

Conrad M. Zapanta serves as Teaching Professor in Biomedical Engineering and Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He joined CMU's faculty in 2006 after academic appointments at Hope College and Penn State, and industry experience at Sulzer Carbomedics. From 2009-2022, he led curriculum development as Associate Department Head for Education.

Education:

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (Biomedical Engineering Option), Carnegie Mellon University (1991)
• Ph.D. in Bioengineering, The Pennsylvania State University (1997)

Dr. Zapanta's research targets cardiovascular medical devices, with emphasis on prosthetic heart valves and pediatric cardiac assist systems. His parallel dedication to biomedical engineering education has reshaped curriculum design nationally, recognized through the Theo Pilkington Award for developing innovative teaching programs and educational frameworks that bridge theoretical concepts with hands-on design experiences.

Scientific Awards and Honors:

• Fellow, American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (2021)
• Fellow, Biomedical Engineering Society (2020)
• University/Post-Secondary Educator Award Honorable Mention, Carnegie Science Center (2017)
• Benjamin Richard Teare Teaching Award, Carnegie Institute of Technology (2016)
• Tau Beta Pi Eminent Engineer, Carnegie Mellon University (2016)
• Theo Pilkington Award, American Society for Engineering Education (2016)

As Associate Dean and former Associate Department Head, Dr. Zapanta has mentored generations of engineers through curriculum leadership and undergraduate advising. His professional service extends to the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), American Society of Artificial Internal Organs (ASAIO), and Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), where he shapes national standards as an ABET program evaluator and NIH review panelist. This dual commitment to student development and field advancement defines his educational legacy.

Dr. Zapanta actively contributes to the scholarly ecosystem as a journal reviewer for biomedical engineering publications and NIH Cardiovascular Sciences panels. His leadership in professional societies drives innovation in both medical device research and engineering pedagogy, maintaining strong industry-academia connections through ongoing collaboration with medical technology stakeholders.