Dr. Donald Gaver
Alden J. 'Doc' Laborde Professor and Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering
Areas of Expertise
Biography
My laboratory aims to develop an understanding of the interrelationships between the mechanical and physicochemical behavior of biological systems. The main thrust of this research involves investigations of the pulmonary system. It is my intent to use this understanding to help, either directly or indirectly, the development of improved therapies for pulmonary disease. At present, this research focuses on investigations of interfacial phenomena and transport processes relevant to pulmonary disorders. These investigations require the study of surface-tension-gradient-driven (Marangoni) convection, capillarity, physicochemical hydrodynamics, viscous flows, fluid/flexible-boundary interactions and convection-diffusion transport. In addition, I have developed a recent interest in environmental research related to the influence of mechanical stress on cells. These studies focus on identifying the fluid stress field exerted on adherent cells, which may have an impact on mechanotransduction, cell adhesion or bacterial migration through porous media.
Education
Northwestern University
Northwestern University
California Institute of Technology
Occidental College
Accomplishments
Provost’s Award for Research and Scholarly Excellence, Tulane University
2005
National Young Investigator Award, National Science Foundation
1993-1998
Teacher of the Year, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tulane University
1992, 2005, 2007, 2008
Articles
Microscale to mesoscale analysis of parenchymal tethering: the effect of heterogeneous alveolar pressures on the pulmonary mechanics of compliant airways
2019
In the healthy lung, bronchi are tethered open by the surrounding parenchyma; for a uniform distribution of these peribronchial structures, the solution is well known. An open question remains regarding the effect of a distributed set of collapsed alveoli, as can occur in disease.
Flow characteristics of urethral catheters of the same caliber vary between manufacturers
2017
Clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) is frequently prescribed for bladder dysfunction, either per urethra or via a continent catheterizable channel. Small catheters may be required for infants or continent channels. Success with CIC is highly dependent upon patient and family compliance. The urinary flow rate through the catheter is an important factor, which can decrease CIC time and improve quality of life. There is little objective information regarding flow rate through urinary catheters to guide catheter recommendation or prescription. Clinically, we noted that there was a difference in flow among catheter brands, and we questioned if catheters of the same-labeled diameter exhibit the same flow characteristics, which could have implications for catheter selection.
Microscale distribution and dynamic surface tension of pulmonary surfactant normalize the recruitment of asymmetric bifurcating airways
2017
We investigate the influence of bifurcation geometry, asymmetry of daughter airways, surfactant distribution, and physicochemical properties on the uniformity of airway recruitment of asymmetric bifurcating airways. To do so, we developed microfluidic idealized in vitro models of bifurcating airways, through which we can independently evaluate the impact of carina location and daughter airway width and length. We explore the uniformity of recruitment and its relationship to the dynamic surface tension of the lining fluid and relate this behavior to the hydraulic (PHyd) and capillary (PCap) pressure drops.
Media Appearances
Breakthrough could help breast cancer recovery patients
"I'd love to have these students return, stay in New Orleans and develop our biomedical engineering infrastructure here," said Dr. Donald Gaver, Tulane Professor and Department Chair of Biomedical Engineering and Director of the BioInnovation Ph.D. program.
