David Gaul

David Gaul is a Senior Research Scientist and Systems Mass Spectrometry Core Director at the Georgia Institute of Technology, working within the School of Chemistry and Biochemistry as part of the Fernández Research Group. He directs the metabolomics/lipidomics services utilizing high resolution mass spectrometry in the Systems Mass Spectrometry Core (SyMS-C) at Georgia Tech, which serves as a critical resource for researchers conducting advanced analytical studies.

His educational background includes:

• B.S., Chemistry, James Madison University, 1993
• Ph.D., Chemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, 1998

Dr. Gaul's research focuses on the analysis of small molecules in complex matrices using mass spectrometry, with particular emphasis on systemic metabolomic profile perturbations due to disease (ovarian, prostate, renal cancers), traumatic brain injury, and physiological responses to exercise. He has extensive experience in methodological development for inter-laboratory comparison and harmonization of metabolomic analyses. As part of the NIH-funded Molecular Transducers of Physical Activity Consortium (MoTrPAC), he leads the global lipidomic assays at the Georgia Tech chemical analysis site. Dr. Gaul co-developed the graduate metabolomics course with Professor Facundo Fernández, demonstrating his commitment to education and knowledge transfer in this specialized field.

His recent publication portfolio reveals a strong focus on multi-omic approaches to understanding exercise physiology through the MoTrPAC initiative, cancer metabolomics (particularly ovarian cancer), traumatic brain injury biomarkers, and computational methodology for metabolomics data analysis. The research demonstrates significant expertise in lipidomics, with many publications focusing on lipid profile alterations across various disease states and physiological conditions.

His notable awards include:

• Union Camp Fellowship - 1996
• Molecular Design Institute Fellowship - 1995-1998
• Sigma Xi Thesis Recognition Award 1998
• Research Faculty Teaching Fellowship 2021-2022

Dr. Gaul serves as the lead for the global lipidomics chemical analysis site at Georgia Tech formed under the NIH-funded MoTrPAC. The Systems Mass Spectrometry Core (SyMS-C) he directs offers a comprehensive range of qualitative and quantitative analytical mass spectrometry assays, including PK studies, metabolomic profiling, MS imaging, and supporting synthetic projects. Rather than functioning as a traditional service core, SyMS-C operates as an active research partner, collaborating closely with investigators to design and execute studies that advance scientific knowledge in metabolomics and related fields.