Interest and areas of expertise
Education
- B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Texas A & M University)
- M.S., Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering (Purdue University)
Classes I teach
- ENGR 211 Project Management
- ENGR 214 Materials Engineering
- ENGR 371 Thermodynamics
- ENGR 471 Heat Transfer
Bio
Dr. Vader came to Messiah College in 1993 from IBM’s Advanced Thermal Laboratory in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he authored or co-authored nine US Patents on cooling technologies for electronics. He has served as Chair of the Department of Engineering, co-founded of the Collaboratory for Strategic Partnerships and Applied Research, and was twice Chair of the Community of Educators at Messiah College.
The Technology Council of Pennsylvania named Dr. Vader co-winner, with Dr. Don Pratt, of the 2001 Post-Secondary Educator of the Year Award. In 2001 he received the Dr. Robert and Marilyn Smith Award for outstanding teaching and in 2003 and 2008 he received Barnabas Awards for servant leadership. In 2016 he was awarded the Messiah College Alumni Appreciation Award.
Dr. Vader is especially thankful for the opportunity to serve Messiah College undergraduates as they grow in their discipleship to Christ. His desire is to help students and alumni to commit their lives in faith to Christ; to prepare to serve God by practicing engineering with exceptional skill; and to use engineering talents to share the love of Christ around the world, particularly with those suffering poverty and persecution.
David and his wife Ariela met in a high school chemistry class. They were married in 1981. Ariela is a Lecturer in Biology and Education for Messiah College, specializing in science for elementary education majors. Ariela and David have three adult children and are active participants in the ministry of the Dillsburg Brethren in Christ Church in Dillsburg, PA.