Donald Gaver, PhD

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. My research focuses on utilizing knowledge of physicochemical hydrodynamics to develop ventilation methods that can reduce the severity of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), a major cause of mortality in ARDS. In our in vitro models, we have observed that novel ventilation modes can enhance surfactant function and protect the lung from atelectrauma. Through collaboration, we investigate complex recruitment and derecruitment interactions in vivo to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying VILI. This improved understanding may ultimately help us develop techniques that eliminate atelectrauma and alleviate the effects of VILI.