David Christini

David Christini is the James A. Perkins Professor of Engineering in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Physics at Cornell University's College of Engineering. A leading interdisciplinary researcher, he bridges physics, engineering, and cardiac medicine through innovative experimental and computational approaches.

His educational foundation includes a B.S. in Physics from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University, followed by postdoctoral training at MIT. This diverse background enables his unique perspective on complex biological systems.

Professor Christini's research focuses on the fundamental mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias, employing a powerful combination of high-resolution optical mapping, electrophysiological experimentation, and large-scale computational modeling. His laboratory investigates how electrical wave dynamics lead to life-threatening conditions like ventricular fibrillation, with direct implications for improving defibrillation therapies and developing novel anti-arrhythmic strategies.

His sustained research excellence has been recognized through prestigious awards including Fellowship in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE). This honor acknowledges his significant contributions to advancing the understanding of cardiac electrophysiology through quantitative approaches.

Professor Christini maintains a vibrant research program supported by continuous NIH funding, mentoring a diverse team of graduate students who develop dual expertise in experimental techniques and computational modeling. His laboratory serves as a nexus for interdisciplinary collaboration, connecting engineering principles with clinical cardiac science to address critical challenges in cardiovascular medicine.

He directs the Cardiac Electrophysiology and Computational Biology Laboratory, which features state-of-the-art facilities for cardiac experimentation and high-performance computing resources, fostering an environment where theoretical insights directly inform experimental design and clinical applications.