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Black History Month Faculty Spotlight: David Simpson
David Simpson Spotlight
“I’m proud of the positive impact I've had on the experience of students I've taught or mentored…I am particularly proud of this impact on LGBTQ students and students of color who often don't have positive mentors or role models in higher education.”

What courses are you teaching?
I am currently teaching Introduction to Engineering Design (for Biological Engineers), Genetics and Transgenics, Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, Cell Physiology and Signaling, Anatomy and Physiology, Biostatistics for Bioengineers, Senior Engineering Design, and Biotransport Phenomena.

How have your interests, research, or experience led you to your field?
I always had a keen interest in science and math as a kid. However, my interest more than solidified when I got to college. In particular, I had an amazing professor— Dr. Klaus Ley—who gave me the opportunity to do biomedical research. I had no clue what was in store for me, but from the moment I stepped foot in the lab and performed my first "PCR," I knew this was what I wanted to do. During my time with Dr. Ley, I was given increasing opportunities to explore research in inflammation, and I even won the top prize for student research in my senior year. Part of this experience was also the opportunity to teach and collaborate with others. These opportunities gave me tremendous confidence in front of my peers leading me on the path to becoming a professor.

What are you most proud of?
Professionally, I’m proud of the positive impact I've had on the experience of students I've taught or mentored. Such stories often came unexpectedly, but further solidified my passion for teaching and mentoring. I am particularly proud of this impact on LGBTQ students and students of color who often don't have positive mentors or role models in higher education. Personally, I'm proud of the relationships I have built over the years with my family and friends!

What is one interesting fact about you?
I am currently taking a virtual intermediate hip-hop dance class to keep my life somewhat interesting. Dancing and choreography are hobbies of mine.

Name one exciting thing that is happening in your classroom.
Biological engineering is a fairly new program here at Wentworth, and we are about to graduate our first senior class. That in itself is quite exciting, but having the privilege to work with and guide these students on some amazing projects is extremely rewarding and exciting. I'm witnessing, in real-time, our students bringing together over three years of coursework and experience to build projects that can truly impact the world.

Share your favorite quote for Black History Month.
"Never be limited by other people's limited imaginations." -Mae Jemison

List of recent publications and other accomplishments (2019 - 2021):
My most recent publication is titled: Histological, Immunological and Genetic Analysis of Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis, which was published in June 2020. Additionally, I recently presented at the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles 2020 Conference. My presentation was on the: Isolation and Characterization of Exosomes from Canine Stem Cells.