🎓 Dr. David Dean, an Associate Professor at The Ohio State University, holds joint appointments in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Renowned for his pioneering contributions to reconstructive skeletal surgery and biofabrication, Dr. Dean’s research integrates advanced materials engineering with surgical innovation. His work focuses on designing 3D-printed skeletal fixation devices and bone tissue engineering solutions. With a career spanning decades, he is a highly cited researcher, prolific author, and co-founder of multiple biotech startups.
Profile
Google Scholar
Education
📚 Dr. Dean earned a B.A. in Biology and Anthropology (Honors) from Case Western Reserve University (1978–1981) and an M.A. in Biological Anthropology from Temple University (1982–1984). He completed his Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology at the City University of New York (1984–1993) and pursued a post-doctoral fellowship in Plastic Surgery at New York University (1992–1994), building the foundation for his interdisciplinary expertise.
Experience
👨🏫 Dr. Dean’s academic journey includes faculty roles at Case Western Reserve University (1994–2013), where he advanced to Associate Professor with tenure in Neurological Surgery. Since 2013, he has been an Associate Professor with tenure at The Ohio State University, adding a Materials Science and Engineering appointment in 2019. His industry experience includes co-founding startups like Osteoplastics and RegenFix, which focus on innovative skeletal fixation devices.
Research Interests
🔬 Dr. Dean specializes in biofabrication, skeletal reconstruction, and virtual surgical planning. His projects explore advanced 3D printing techniques, stiffness-matched skeletal fixation hardware, and bioengineered tissues with tethered ligands for enhanced bone regeneration. He also focuses on point-of-care manufacturing solutions for personalized medical devices.
Awards
🏆 Dr. Dean has received multiple accolades, including the Peter Geistlich Research Award and several prestigious grants from agencies like the NSF and ARPA-H. His inventions and patents have significantly impacted craniofacial surgery and tissue engineering, earning him recognition in the scientific community.
Publications Top Notes
📜 Dr. Dean has authored 112 journal papers and contributed extensively to high-impact journals. Notable publications include:
Biofabrication techniques for skeletal fixation hardware, Biofabrication, 2023, cited by 245 articles.
Stiffness-matched metallic CMF devices, Materials Today Bio, 2022, cited by 180 articles.
Tethered ligands in bone tissue engineering, Acta Biomaterialia, 2021, cited by 320 articles.
Conclusion
Dr. David Dean’s groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary expertise, and entrepreneurial achievements make him an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. With his notable contributions to biofabrication and skeletal reconstruction, he exemplifies innovation and dedication to advancing science. Addressing minor gaps in outreach and mentorship could further elevate his profile as a transformative leader in his field.