Blair Dodson

Education

PhD, Mechanical Engineering – Biomedical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder

BS, Mechanical Engineering, Oklahoma Christian University

Blair Dodson is a senior scientist at RTI International where he specializes in respiratory health. He currently leads research initiatives, advancing respiratory vascular health through innovative biotechnologies and engineering. Dr. Dodson develops and validates next-generation in-vitro cell-based models, investigating pulmonary diseases. He also designs translational solutions, which bridge fundamental science with clinical applications to drive impactful advancements in respiratory health.

Dr. Dodson is an expert in biotechnology utilizing strategic competitive intelligence insights to accelerate therapeutic development. He leads initiatives that integrate cutting-edge analytics and collaboration with pharmaceutical and biotech partners. Dr. Dodson actively engages with key stakeholders in pulmonary health, forging partnerships across academia, industry, and federal organizations to drive advancements in pulmonary research and drug development. This partnership allows him to deliver impactful results by fostering collaboration across diverse fields with key opinion leaders and research institutes.

Additionally, Dr. Dodson is skilled in data analytics for translational research. He designs and implements advanced data analytic tools to process and interpret large datasets from preclinical and clinical studies. He applies these skills to develop patented metrics for transplant perfusion and hemodynamic modeling in respiratory diseases. Dr. Dodson develops bioprocess innovations and real-world evidence solutions, including scaling tissue engineering applications and designing observational clinical studies focused on cardiopulmonary devices.

Prior to joining RTI, Dr. Dodson led the development of innovative tissue-engineered lung transplant methods in the Regenerative Medicine Lab at United Therapeutics, enabling the annual production of 300+ preclinical organs. He designed and implemented advanced data analytics tools for transplant perfusion, which resulted in improved metrics and a patented translational analysis. Dr. Dodson investigated hemodynamic pathways and vascular remodeling in cardiopulmonary diseases at the University of Colorado School of Medicine and the Pediatric Heart Lung Center, helping uncover novel mechanisms in neonatal and pediatric conditions. He fostered strategic partnerships with key opinion leaders, driving drug development through competitive intelligence at UNC.

Get To Know Blair Dodson

Dr. Dodson shared what sparked his passion for and drew him to the field of engineering and cardiopulmonary research and lessons learned from an impactful mentor.

I’ve always been fascinated by understanding how the world works, which naturally led me toward engineering from a young age. Pursuing a graduate degree in Biomedical Engineering gave me the chance to combine my love for problem-solving with a real purpose—creating technologies that improve people’s lives. But it was my mentor, Dr. Steven Abman, MD, a professor of Pediatric Pulmonology at the University of Colorado and director of the Pediatric Heart Lung Center, who truly inspired my passion for cardiopulmonary research.

Dr. Abman shares my love for physiology and showed me how combining basic science and engineering can directly change patient outcomes and redefine standards of care. His work improving the lung health of premature infants really stuck with me, showing me the kind of impact one person can make with dedication and the right tools.

I still think of myself as an engineer at heart—or maybe a physiologist who loves math—but one who’s driven by solving real human challenges. Thanks to Dr. Abman’s influence, I’ve embraced the tough but rewarding path of cardiopulmonary research, where innovative biotechnologies can create life-changing impacts for patients.

Outside the Office

Dr. Dodson has a passion for renovating old homes. It blends his love for mid-century modern architecture with a commitment to preserving original character while introducing modern amenities. Alongside his partner, the design and construction expert, Dr. Dodson has helped renovate nearly 10 homes – owning more houses than cars! Much like in research, home renovation has honed his ability to adapt and innovate when surprises arise, turning challenges into opportunities for creativity and problem-solving.

Related Capabilities

Focus Area

Health

Solution

Analysis and Design of Complex Data

Get in Touch

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