Dr. David Ku

Professor

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Biography

David N. Ku holds the L.P. Huang Endowed Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship and is a Regents' Professor at the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. He has an extensive educational background, obtaining his M.D. from Emory University in 1984, a Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in 1983, an M.S. from Georgia Tech in 1982, and a B.A. from Harvard University in 1978. Dr. Ku's research primarily focuses on bioengineering and fluid mechanics, emphasizing biofluid mechanics, medical devices, and translational technology. His current work investigates the mechanics of heart attacks and strokes, looking into the rapid conversion of liquid blood into solid occlusions under high shear rates, known as thrombosis. He has developed methods to create solid thrombi that can control bleeding—vital for treating post-partum hemorrhage and traumatic injuries. Dr. Ku actively teaches entrepreneurship in the Business School, aiming to bridge the gap between innovations and practical medical solutions. His research is well-supported by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, among other institutions, and he collaborates with several prominent universities worldwide.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

— Present

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA

Regents' Professor and L.P. Huang Endowed Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship.

Assistant Professor

— Present

Georgia Institute of Technology • Atlanta, GA

Engaged in teaching and research in Mechanical Engineering.

Professor of Surgery

— Present

Emory University • Atlanta, GA

Prior position in the Department of Surgery.

Awards

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Fellow

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Inventor of the Year Award

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Outstanding Educator Award

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Visiting Professor

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Keynote Talk Speaker

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Gustus L. Larson Memorial Award

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Young Investigator Award

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Faculty Member of the Year

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Outstanding Doctoral Thesis Advisor

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Master’s Thesis Advisor Award

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Young Investigator Award

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Presidential Young Investigator Award

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Fellowship

Requirements for Georgia Institute of Technology

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:19
Reading
Required:19
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:19
Total
Required:100
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:5.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:7.5
Prerequisites
Undergraduate degree in computer science or related field
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Official transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Statement of Purpose
Specialization Notes

Department of Computer Science: GRE scores are optional for Fall 2026.