David Cavanaugh joined the faculty of the anatomy department in 1996 as an instructor. Prior to this promotion he served PCOM for 13 years as a senior research assistant, focusing on developmental anatomy and neural tube defects. Additionally, Mr. Cavanaugh instructed medical and biomedical science students in histology for six years in the role of teaching assistant.

From 1987 to 1991 he served as animal colony supervisor, maintaining protocols and records for federal inspection in accordance with the standards of the Animal Care and Utilization Committee and overseeing the animal adoption program. Mr. Cavanaugh received his B.S. in Microbiology and Cell Biology from Pennsylvania State University in 1982. Since then he has completed advanced course work in cell and molecular biology at the Catholic University of America in 1987 and in the care and utilization of animals in biomedical research at the Medical College of Pennsylvania in 1988. He has also completed postgraduate work in histology at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a recipient of the PCOM Student National Medical Association Mentor Award. Mr. Cavanaugh is currently the director of the PCOM Biomedical Histology course as well as the Physician Assistant Gross Anatomy course. He is also an adjunct professor at Widener University.