Dr. Dennis Trumble

Professor

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Biography

Dennis Trumble uses multiscale computational models to develop implantable devices for cardiac assist purposes. His work aims to produce a unique muscle-powered heart assist device for long-term use, marking a major advancement in the treatment of congestive heart failure. Professor Trumble holds appointments at the Biomedical Engineering Center and Neural Basis of Cognition. His book, 'The Way Science,' was named a AAAS/SB&F Book in 2014 in the category of Ethics. He is a recipient of the Idea Foundry Transformation Fellowship and the DMDC Top Presentation Award. Dr. Trumble’s research has been supported by the NIH, Pittsburgh Foundation, Innovation Works, Whitaker Foundation, and Allegheny-Singer Research Institute. His work on muscle-powered implants has been featured in Science Magazine, Scientific American, Popular Science, Men’s Health, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Trumble lab focuses on developing innovative approaches for long-term mechanical circulatory support. Primary research activities center on the design, manufacture, and testing of muscle-powered, non-blood contacting cardiac assist devices to avoid major limitations of existing blood pump technologies used to support failing hearts for extended periods. In this regard, he is currently working on a ‘soft robotic sleeve’ designed to squeeze and twist the ventricles, using multiscale computer simulations to identify effective patterns for direct cardiac compression and torsion in diseased hearts. This new approach to circulatory support aims to provide a versatile means to manipulate the mechanical environment of the heart for rehabilitation, reducing recovery time and avoiding serious risks associated with blood-contacting surfaces and percutaneous drivelines.

Research Interests

Awards

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Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award

2017-06-01
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Top Presentation Award

2016-01-01
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ASAIO Entrepreneur’s Forum Prize Winner

2015-01-01
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AAAS/SB&F Book 2014 (Ethics): The Way Science

2014-01-01
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Idea Transformation Fellowship

2014-01-01
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SCCS ‘Wall of Distinction’ Inductee (Inaugural Member)

2005-01-01

Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.