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David Sanders

David Sanders is an American biologist and associate professor of biological sciences at Purdue University, specializing in molecular virology with research focused on the mechanisms of enveloped virus entry into host cells, including retroviruses, and the development of modified viruses for gene therapy applications.^[1]^[2] His laboratory has advanced understanding of viral protein functions, such as determining the structure of a key protein to enable potential antibiotic treatments for various diseases, and explored enzymatic modifications of viruses to facilitate safe gene delivery.^[3]^[4] Sanders has also contributed to pandemic preparedness through consulting on coronaviruses, vaccines, and antivirals.^[5] Beyond research, Sanders has gained prominence as a scientific integrity advocate, systematically identifying image manipulation, data irregularities, and other forms of misconduct in peer-reviewed papers, contributing to numerous retractions and investigations, including high-profile cases like the 2010 "arsenic life" controversy and allegations against prominent researchers.^[6]^[7]^[8] This work led to a defamation lawsuit against him by a researcher whose papers he critiqued, which Sanders won, underscoring tensions between misconduct whistleblowers and academic institutions amid funding pressures that incentivize questionable practices.^[6]^[9] He has emphasized that exposing fraud preserves scientific credibility, arguing that perpetrators, not critics, undermine the field.^[9] Additionally, Sanders has engaged in academic governance as chair of Purdue's University Senate and local politics, serving on the West Lafayette City Council and running unsuccessfully for the Indiana State Senate in 2022, where he advocated evidence-based policies.^[10]^[11]^[12]

Early life and education

Childhood and early influences

Sanders was born and raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, a suburban community in Bergen County.^[13] His family resided in this middle-class area, which provided a stable environment conducive to personal development during his formative years. Teaneck's proximity to New York City offered access to cultural and educational resources, potentially fostering early intellectual curiosity, though specific family dynamics remain undocumented in public records. From 1976 to 1979, Sanders attended the Horace Mann School in Riverdale, New York, a prestigious independent preparatory institution known for its emphasis on academic excellence and critical thinking.^[14]^[5] The school's rigorous curriculum and small class sizes exposed him to high standards of scholarship from an early age, including advanced studies in sciences that may have sparked his later pursuits in biology. During this period, he served as president of a student society, indicating early leadership involvement.^[5] While direct accounts of childhood influences on his scientific interests are limited, Sanders' transition from a New Jersey suburb to an elite urban preparatory school suggests a foundation in environments valuing education and inquiry, setting the stage for his focus on empirical disciplines without extending into formal higher education. No verifiable personal anecdotes detail specific events or mentors from this era that directly prompted his engagement with virology or biology.

Academic background

David Sanders earned a Bachelor of Science degree in molecular biophysics and biochemistry from Yale College.^[1]^[2] He completed a Ph.D. in biochemistry at the University of California, Berkeley, in 1989, with his dissertation examining a key biochemical reaction enabling bacterial adaptation to environmental changes.^[1]^[2] After his doctoral studies, Sanders worked as a visiting scientist at the University of California, San Francisco, investigating signal-transducing GTPases.^[2] He then pursued postdoctoral fellowship at the Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, affiliated with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he began exploring viral entry mechanisms into host cells, including pathways for inhibiting infection and potential uses in gene delivery.^[2] This training laid the groundwork for his subsequent specialization in molecular virology.^[2]

Professional career

Academic appointments

Sanders joined the faculty of Purdue University's Department of Biological Sciences in 1995, initially affiliated with the Markey Center for Structural Biology.^[15]^[16] He progressed to the rank of associate professor, a position he has held while directing the university's molecular virology research efforts.^[1]^[2] In this capacity, Sanders maintains professional faculty research status, overseeing the Sanders Laboratory dedicated to virology studies, ensuring continuity in programmatic leadership within the department.^[1]^[5] His appointment includes involvement in the Markey Center's structural biology initiatives, where he contributed to program coordination without specified shifts in tenure-track status.^[15]

Teaching and administrative roles

Sanders has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, specializing in virology and related topics. He instructs BIOL 595, a graduate-level course on molecular virology, covering mechanisms of viral entry and replication.^[17] Additionally, he developed and taught BIOL 31800, an undergraduate course titled "The COVID-19 Pandemic," which examines the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak, extending into public health implications beyond core virology and immunology.^[18]^[19] In mentorship, Sanders has supervised undergraduate students in research projects focused on structural virology, providing hands-on training in lab techniques and data analysis within his group. His role includes guiding students and postdoctoral researchers to enhance their research skills, though specific alumni outcomes in pedagogy contexts remain documented primarily through departmental records rather than independent achievements.^[1] Administratively, Sanders has served on multiple university committees, including the Purdue University Senate Faculty Affairs Committee and as chair of the Student Affairs Committee, advocating for policies affecting students, faculty, and staff.^[15] He previously chaired the University Senate steering committee and contributed to the College of Science Faculty Council and Undergraduate Curriculum and Academic Policy Committee, influencing academic governance and curriculum standards.^[20] These roles underscore his involvement in departmental and institutional initiatives aimed at maintaining educational integrity and operational efficiency.

Scientific research

Core focus on virology

David Sanders' research in molecular virology primarily investigates the entry mechanisms of retroviruses and other enveloped viruses into host cells, emphasizing the molecular interactions that enable viral attachment, fusion, and internalization.^[1] This includes detailed analysis of surface glycoproteins from viruses such as lentiviruses, alphaviruses, and Ebola virus, which mediate binding to host receptors and subsequent membrane fusion events.^[1] His approach highlights the critical role of protein-protein interactions at the viral-host interface, providing foundational insights into the initial stages of infection.^[1] A key theme in Sanders' work is the enzymatic processing underlying viral entry, particularly phosphoryl transfer mechanisms that regulate conformational changes in envelope proteins necessary for penetration of cellular barriers.^[1] By employing methodologies like the construction of pseudotyped viral particles—combining core proteins from retroviruses or lentiviruses with heterologous envelope glycoproteins—his laboratory dissects these processes without relying on live pathogens, allowing controlled examination of entry dynamics across diverse enveloped viruses.^[1] This systematic dissection underscores causal pathways in infection, from receptor engagement to post-fusion states.^[2] These investigations carry implications for comprehending pathogenesis in diseases driven by such viruses, including HIV (a lentivirus) and Ebola virus-induced hemorrhagic fevers, as well as zoonotic transmissions from animal reservoirs like birds to humans.^[2] Understanding these entry fundamentals informs strategies for blocking infection at early stages, aligning with broader virological goals of biodefense and prevention of viral spread.^[2] Sanders' emphasis on empirical dissection of these mechanisms prioritizes verifiable biochemical and structural data over speculative models.^[1]

Key discoveries and publications

Sanders' doctoral research at the University of Cambridge elucidated the role of proteolytic cleavage in the cytoplasmic domain of the murine leukemia virus envelope protein, demonstrating that such processing activates the fusion-competent conformation necessary for efficient retroviral entry into host cells. This finding, detailed in early publications in the Journal of Virology, provided mechanistic insights into enveloped virus assembly and infectivity, influencing subsequent models of retroviral membrane fusion.^[21] Building on this, Sanders advanced pseudotyping strategies for retroviral vectors, incorporating heterologous envelope glycoproteins to broaden tissue tropism for gene therapy. Notable contributions include the development of vectors pseudotyped with alphavirus envelopes, such as Sindbis and Ross River virus glycoproteins, which enhanced transduction efficiency in non-dividing cells, as reported in a 2005 Journal of Virology study on HIV-1 vectors. Similarly, his 2002 work in Human Gene Therapy addressed premature fusion issues in novel pseudotypes, enabling safer and more effective vector design.^[22]^[23] In virology, Sanders identified critical residues in the Ebola virus glycoprotein GP1 domain that govern receptor binding and post-binding entry steps, published in a 2007 Journal of Virology paper co-authored with W. Maury; these findings clarified receptor interactions and informed antiviral targeting strategies. More recently, a 2019 Virology publication from his lab delineated the role of heparan sulfate in the entry and egress of Ross River virus glycoprotein-pseudotyped vectors, highlighting glycosaminoglycan dependencies in alphavirus-host interactions.^[24] Sanders also contributed to structural biology with the 2006 determination of the Escherichia coli exopolyphosphatase crystal structure, revealing a novel bisubstrate mechanism for phosphoryl transfer that positions the enzyme as a potential antibiotic target against bacterial stress responses, including those evading host immunity during viral co-infections. This work, leveraging X-ray crystallography, underscored polyphosphate metabolism's vulnerability in pathogens.^[25]

Contributions to gene therapy

Sanders' contributions to gene therapy primarily involve the engineering of pseudotyped viral vectors to achieve targeted and efficient delivery of therapeutic genes into mammalian cells. In 2001, collaborating with Richard Kuhn, he developed a novel pseudotyped retrovirus by substituting the standard retroviral envelope with an alphavirus coat protein, such as from Ross River virus, which expanded the vector's tropism to a wider range of cell types while ensuring stable, permanent gene integration without cytotoxicity associated with alternatives like VSV-G pseudotypes. This system, detailed in a March 2001 Journal of Virology publication, supports indefinite production of viral particles in stable cell lines and targets applications in treating genetic deficiencies, cancer, and diabetes, prompting Purdue University to file a corresponding patent.^[26] His innovations extend to exploiting Ebola virus glycoproteins (GP) as retargeting elements for lentiviral and retroviral vectors, harnessing the GP's membrane fusion capabilities to direct gene cargoes while restricting off-target entry. A 2004 study demonstrated that pseudotyping with modified Ebola GP—lacking the O-glycosylation region—enabled effective transduction of human airway epithelial cells, a critical advancement for cystic fibrosis gene therapy by facilitating precise delivery of corrective nucleic acids. This work bridges viral entry research with therapeutic vector design, emphasizing modifications that enhance specificity and reduce immunogenicity.^[27] Sanders' laboratory has further refined hybrid vectors combining retroviral or lentiviral interiors with alphavirus exteriors to access challenging tissues like liver hepatocytes and brain glial cells, optimizing gene transfer through envelope protein tweaks such as O-glycosylation alterations for improved efficiency. Recent efforts integrate these platforms with CRISPR/Cas9 delivery to selectively knock out host receptors for viruses including Ebola and Zika, yielding tools for both antiviral prophylaxis and editable gene therapies against hereditary diseases. As primary inventor, Sanders holds two U.S. patents on such delivery techniques, underscoring their translational potential.^[28]^[29] In a May 2020 Purdue University presentation, Sanders outlined the practical mechanics of employing these modified viruses to introduce nucleic acids into target cells, highlighting their role in scalable gene therapy protocols.^[4]

Efforts in scientific integrity

Development of image forensics methods

David Sanders advanced image forensics in biological research by systematically applying digital analysis to detect manipulations in figures from peer-reviewed papers, emphasizing anomalies common to experimental data like electrophoretic gels, Western blots, and microscopy images. His approach prioritizes identifying duplications—where image segments are copied within or across figures to fabricate replicates—and splicing, where disparate elements are merged to misrepresent results. These methods rely on empirical comparison of pixel-level details, such as matching noise profiles and intensity distributions that deviate from expected biological variability.^[30]^[8] A key innovation in Sanders' toolkit involves overlaying suspect regions to quantify overlap beyond chance, often revealing identical artifacts or gradients indicative of cloning rather than independent acquisition. For splicing detection, he employs contrast and brightness adjustments to expose seams, irregular textures, or mismatched backgrounds, protocols that highlight manipulations invisible at standard viewing settings. In cases like the retracted "Tin Man Syndrome" study, such techniques uncovered extensive image reuse from unrelated sources, demonstrating their utility in verifying provenance without raw files.^[31]^[32] Sanders' protocols extend to promoting standardized checks in peer review, including error level analysis for compression inconsistencies and Fourier transforms to flag periodic copy-paste artifacts, fostering community adoption via platforms like PubPeer. By open-sourcing critiques and methodological rationales, he has elevated image forensics from ad hoc scrutiny to a replicable practice, reducing reliance on self-reported data integrity in high-stakes fields like virology and oncology.^[6]

Investigations into peer misconduct

David Sanders has systematically reported suspected data irregularities, including duplicated or manipulated images, and instances of plagiarism to scientific journals, focusing on papers published by fellow researchers in virology and related fields. These reports, initiated as early as 2012, targeted specific evidentiary lapses that undermined the reliability of published findings, such as unauthorized use of a deceased collaborator's data in a co-authored article, which prompted its retraction. By 2017, Sanders had flagged concerns in more than two dozen articles, providing journals with detailed analyses of anomalies like inconsistent gel bands and textual overlaps, thereby initiating formal review processes without relying on unsubstantiated accusations.^[33] His evidence-based submissions emphasized verifiable discrepancies detectable through forensic examination, such as pixel-level inconsistencies in figures, which he argued violated core principles of reproducible science by introducing causal artifacts unrelated to biological phenomena. These efforts extended beyond individual papers to broader patterns, including over 20 instances across multiple authors where he notified editors directly under his own name, urging post-publication audits to prioritize empirical fidelity over institutional inertia.^[34] In one notable case, Sanders's alerts to journals about image duplications and plagiarized sections in works from a prominent cancer research group triggered an institutional probe at Ohio State University, culminating in 2022 findings of research misconduct against two lab members for data falsification and plagiarism.^[35]^[36] Outcomes from these notifications have included targeted corrections, such as the 2017 amendment of a high-profile paper for undisclosed data issues, though Sanders has critiqued journals for inconsistent follow-through, noting persistent failures to retract evidently flawed works despite confirmed institutional misconduct rulings.^[33] His approach underscores a commitment to causal accountability in science, where deviations from raw data integrity—often normalized amid publication pressures—erode foundational trust in peer-reviewed literature, prompting calls for journals to adopt rigorous, precedent-agnostic verification standards.^[6] Through these processes, Sanders has contributed to heightened scrutiny of normalized lapses, advocating that empirical standards demand proactive correction over passive acceptance of apparent errors.^[34]

Impact on retractions and corrections

Sanders' scrutiny of scientific publications has prompted several retractions and corrections, particularly in fields prone to image manipulation such as oncology and virology. In 2012, his direct complaint to a journal led to the retraction of a paper by a former colleague, who had unauthorizedly used microscopy images from a deceased collaborator's prior work without disclosure or permission.^[7] Subsequent efforts, including submissions to journals and comments on platforms like PubPeer, have yielded additional outcomes. For instance, in 2017, allegations of data falsification raised by Sanders contributed to a major correction in a highly cited paper (over 500 citations) by an Ohio State University researcher under institutional investigation.^[37] Similarly, long-standing concerns he flagged about duplicated data elements in a 2013 Cell Death & Disease article resulted in its retraction in 2023, after independent PubPeer notations corroborated the issues.^[38] More recently, in 2025, Sanders identified image duplications in a Genentech-authored PNAS paper, prompting an extensive correction for multiple duplications, though he argued the extent of flaws warranted full retraction.^[39] These cases illustrate a pattern where Sanders' forensic analyses—focusing on gel bands, blots, and microscopy—have driven post-publication reviews, with verifiable journal records confirming actions in at least a handful of instances.^[6] His work has also indirectly bolstered field-wide rigor by deterring unsubstantiated claims through public exposure, though comprehensive tallies remain elusive due to fragmented reporting; Retraction Watch notes his role in "numerous" such interventions without exhaustive enumeration.^[6] Despite occasional institutional hesitance to act decisively on prominent researchers' outputs, the tangible removals and amendments underscore a net positive effect on literature reliability, emphasizing empirical verification over reputational preservation.^[40]

Legal and professional controversies

Conflict with Carlo Croce

David Sanders, an associate professor of biological sciences at Purdue University, began scrutinizing publications co-authored by Carlo Croce, a leading oncologist at Ohio State University, in 2017. Croce, renowned for his extensive work on microRNAs and their roles in cancer pathogenesis, has co-authored over 1,000 papers garnering hundreds of thousands of citations, including foundational discoveries linking genetic alterations to leukemias and solid tumors.^[41] ^[40] Sanders applied forensic image analysis to Croce's figures, identifying patterns of apparent duplication where the same gel bands or microscopy images were reused across purportedly distinct experiments, as well as splicing artifacts and enhancements inconsistent with raw data standards.^[40] ^[36] These examinations revealed anomalies in at least 20 papers, including instances where Western blot lanes appeared cloned or horizontally flipped without disclosure, potentially inflating evidence for protein expression claims central to Croce's hypotheses on oncogene regulation.^[41] ^[42] Sanders documented plagiarism concerns as well, such as unattributed reuse of figures from prior unrelated studies within Croce's oeuvre.^[43] His submissions to journals emphasized that such manipulations, detectable via pixel correlation and error level analysis, violated core principles of data integrity, challenging the empirical validity of conclusions in high-impact oncology research.^[40] The dispute highlighted vulnerabilities in peer review for prominent labs, where Croce's influence—bolstered by major NIH funding and awards like the 2008 Szent-Györgyi Prize—may have normalized oversight of visual data artifacts that first-principles scrutiny deems non-accidental.^[41] ^[44] Sanders' approach prioritized objective image forensics over narrative trust in institutional gatekeepers, revealing how acceptance of flawed data in elite research perpetuates causal misconceptions in cancer biology.^[36]

Defamation lawsuit details

In April 2017, Carlo Croce filed a defamation lawsuit against David Sanders in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio (Case No. 2:17-cv-00338-JLG-EPD), alleging that Sanders' public statements accusing him of data falsification and plagiarism in over two dozen co-authored scientific papers constituted defamation per se and intentional infliction of emotional distress.^[45] The complaint specifically targeted Sanders' 2016 administrative complaint to Ohio State University, as well as his disclosures to journalists resulting in articles published in The Columbus Dispatch and Science magazine in March and April 2017, where Sanders described duplicated images suggestive of manipulation in Croce's publications.^[43] Sanders moved to dismiss the claims under Ohio's anti-SLAPP statute, arguing that his statements were protected opinions formed through forensic analysis of published figures, not verifiable assertions of fact, and that they advanced public interest in scientific integrity without actual malice.^[45] Croce opposed, contending the accusations implied undisclosed criminal conduct and were presented as factual findings from Sanders' expertise, supported by an amended complaint adding claims of tortious interference with business relations based on alleged harm to Croce's professional reputation and funding.^[43] Following discovery, including depositions and expert reports on image forensics, Sanders filed for summary judgment in late 2019, asserting qualified privilege for good-faith reporting of suspected misconduct and lack of evidence for falsity or recklessness. The district court granted the motion on May 12, 2020, ruling that phrases like "falsified data" were non-actionable opinions under Ohio law, as they reflected Sanders' subjective interpretation of visual anomalies rather than provable facts, and no genuine dispute existed on Croce's damages claims.^[43] Croce appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit (No. 20-3577), reiterating arguments that Sanders' expertise lent factual weight to the statements and that the district court erred in applying opinion protections without a trial on malice.^[45] Sanders countered in his appellate brief that the lower court's analysis aligned with precedents distinguishing rhetorical hyperbole from defamation, emphasizing the context of peer scrutiny in academia.^[46] The Sixth Circuit affirmed the summary judgment on February 3, 2021, holding that the challenged statements were incapable of defamatory meaning as a matter of law.^[45]

Outcomes and broader implications

In May 2020, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio granted summary judgment in favor of Sanders, dismissing Croce's claims of defamation and intentional infliction of emotional distress on the grounds that Sanders' statements constituted protected opinion and truthful scientific critique.^[42] The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit affirmed this ruling on February 3, 2021, rejecting Croce's appeal and solidifying Sanders' legal victory without awarding monetary damages, as the case ended in dismissal rather than a trial verdict.^[47] ^[45] The litigation spanned over three years, imposing substantial non-financial burdens on Sanders, including extensive time diverted from research to defense preparations and investigations into misconduct allegations.^[6] Although Purdue University covered his legal fees, Sanders reported professional setbacks, such as the withdrawal of laboratory resources and perceptions among institutional leadership that his integrity efforts were unwelcome, contributing to heightened stress and isolation in his academic environment.^[6] This outcome underscores the resilience of empirical scrutiny in legal contexts, where courts prioritized verifiable evidence of data irregularities over reputational defenses, yet highlights systemic risks for academic whistleblowers facing protracted suits that, even when unsuccessful for plaintiffs, extract opportunity costs and deter future critiques.^[6] In academia, where prominent figures often benefit from institutional reluctance to pursue misconduct probes—exacerbated by biases favoring narrative continuity over rigorous validation—such cases illustrate how legal tactics can temporarily shield flawed research, though ultimate judicial affirmation of factual discourse reinforces the primacy of causal evidence in advancing scientific reliability.^[42]

Political involvement

Entry into local politics

David Sanders, an associate professor of biological sciences at Purdue University, entered local politics in 2015 by seeking election to the West Lafayette City Council as a Democrat.^[48] His decision reflected a broader application of his scientific emphasis on empirical evidence and rigorous scrutiny—principles he had pursued in exposing research misconduct—to civic issues requiring data-driven governance.^[11] Sanders, a long-term resident of West Lafayette, positioned his candidacy as an extension of personal engagement in community matters, drawing on his prior unsuccessful federal campaigns in 2006 and 2008 for U.S. House seats to inform a focus on local representation.^[49] In the lead-up to the November 3, 2015, municipal election, Sanders competed for one of three at-large council seats, campaigning on platforms that aligned his expertise in virology and integrity advocacy with practical local problem-solving.^[50] He received support from the Tippecanoe County Democratic Party, which endorsed Democratic candidates including Sanders amid a competitive field featuring Republican opponents.^[50] This marked his initial shift from national-level bids to municipal office, motivated by a desire to address West Lafayette's growth challenges—such as infrastructure and university-city relations—through verifiable, evidence-based approaches rather than partisan rhetoric.^[11] Sanders' entry underscored a rare academic incursion into Tippecanoe County politics, where Purdue's influence dominates but faculty rarely seek elected roles.^[48] By late October 2015, candidate profiles highlighted his 28-year residency and professional background as key qualifiers, emphasizing accountability and transparency in council proceedings.^[48] This foray laid the groundwork for subsequent reelection efforts and higher ambitions, framing politics as an arena for applying first-principles analysis akin to scientific inquiry.^[11]

Electoral campaigns

Sanders entered electoral politics as the Democratic candidate for an at-large seat on the West Lafayette City Council in the general election held on November 3, 2015. Competing against Republican candidates including James Hass, he secured election as one of the top vote recipients in the multi-candidate at-large race, assuming office in January 2016.^[51]^[52] While serving his first term, Sanders announced his candidacy for the Indiana State Senate in District 23 on January 26, 2022, as a Democrat. He won the May 3, 2022, primary unopposed and advanced to the general election against Republican Spencer Deery, an aide to Purdue University President Mitch Daniels. On November 8, 2022, Deery prevailed with 20,109 votes (63.6 percent) to Sanders's 11,517 votes (36.4 percent).)^[53]^[54] Sanders sought re-election to the West Lafayette City Council at-large in 2023. In the Democratic primary on May 2, 2023, he advanced with Iris O'Donnell Bellisario and James Blanco, defeating incumbent Gerald Thomas. The general election on November 7, 2023, featured the three Democrats against Republican challengers; Sanders placed third in vote totals among all candidates, securing one of the three at-large seats with the Democratic slate sweeping the contest amid 5,694 votes cast in the race. His new term began January 1, 2024, and extends through December 31, 2027.^[55]^[56]^[57]

Policy stances and public positions

Sanders has articulated strong support for Israel, particularly in response to campus protests and calls for Gaza ceasefire resolutions at West Lafayette City Council meetings. In May 2024, during public comments on a proposed resolution urging a ceasefire and increased U.S. humanitarian aid to Gaza, he presented a historical overview of Jewish persecution and emphasized the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks as evidence of existential threats to Israel, stating that Hamas's charter explicitly calls for Israel's destruction and that equating defensive measures with aggression ignores verifiable intent and capabilities for genocide against Jews.^[58]^[59] This stance prompted walkouts by pro-Palestine attendees, who criticized it as insensitive to Palestinian casualties, though Sanders countered that such reactions often normalize anti-Israel rhetoric without addressing empirical data on rocket attacks and hostage-taking by Hamas.^[58]^[60] In June 2024, Sanders voted against the ceasefire resolution, contributing to its 5-2 defeat, arguing that foreign policy resolutions exceed the council's local mandate and risk unbalanced narratives that downplay Israel's security imperatives amid ongoing hostilities.^[61]^[62] Supporters of his position highlighted alignment with U.S. intelligence assessments of Hamas's military objectives, while critics, including local activists, accused him of prioritizing one side's security concerns over humanitarian data from Gaza, such as reported civilian deaths exceeding 30,000 by mid-2024 per Gaza Health Ministry figures, though Sanders maintained that casualty statistics from Hamas-controlled sources warrant scrutiny for inflation tactics observed in prior conflicts.^[61] On local development issues, Sanders has opposed rapid rezoning for large-scale projects, voting against the 2025 rezoning for the $3.8 billion SK Hynix semiconductor plant, citing risks to residential quality of life, potential environmental strain from industrial expansion, and insufficient mitigation for traffic and water demands despite projected 2,000 jobs.^[63]^[64] He has similarly voted no on multiple high-rise developments, such as a September 2025 proposal, advocating for measured growth to preserve West Lafayette's community character amid Purdue University's expansion, which has driven population increases of over 5% annually in recent years.^[65] Proponents of these projects praised economic multipliers like tax revenue boosts estimated at $100 million over a decade for SK Hynix, but Sanders defended his votes by referencing data on infrastructure overload in comparable university towns, where unchecked development correlated with higher service costs without proportional benefits.^[65]^[66] Regarding education, Sanders, as a Purdue biological sciences professor, has supported policies enhancing public access to higher education resources, including council advocacy for zoning adjustments to accommodate student housing without compromising neighborhood stability, though specific votes tie into broader development restraint rather than direct curriculum or funding initiatives.^[67] His positions reflect a prioritization of evidence-based governance, drawing from scientific training to evaluate policy impacts empirically, even when facing opposition from growth advocates who argue his caution hinders Indiana's competitiveness in tech sectors.^[11]

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I work on pandemic preparation and consult about coronaviruses--vaccines, antivirals, videos, and museum displays.
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[34]
Science whistleblowers need better support – and I should know
Oct 11, 2023 · There were numerous examples of image duplications and plagiarism. ADVERTISEMENT. I reported my concerns, in my own name, to the journals ...
[35]
RESEARCH ARTICLE FORENSICS LEAD TO FINDS OF ...
Sep 7, 2022 · An investigation prompted by data sleuth David Sanders and conducted by the Ohio State University has led to findings of research misconduct against two ...Missing: controversies | Show results with:controversies
[36]
Papers in Croce case with “blatantly obvious” problems still aren't ...
Jul 22, 2022 · Scientists in Carlo Croce's cancer research lab at The Ohio State University had committed research misconduct including plagiarism and data falsification.Missing: Notre Dame
[37]
OSU researcher under investigation corrects paper cited 500 times
Jun 9, 2017 · Skip to content. Retraction Watch. Tracking retractions as a window into the scientific ... David Sanders. Like Retraction Watch? Consider making ...
[38]
Dr. David Sanders on X: "Retracted article @cddpress . Complained ...
Oct 4, 2023 · Retracted article @cddpress . Complained about it many years ago. Issues also described by someone else in Pubpeer. In violation of @COPE ...
[39]
Exclusive: Extensive correction to Genentech PNAS article will get ...
Feb 25, 2025 · Sanders said the original PNAS article “with so many problems” should be retracted. “It simply wasn't valid.” The journal has previously ...
[40]
Years of Ethics Charges, but Star Cancer Researcher Gets a Pass
Mar 8, 2017 · Sanders, a virologist who teaches at Purdue University, has made claims of falsified data and plagiarism directly to scientific journals where ...Missing: impact | Show results with:impact
[41]
Exclusive: investigators found plagiarism and data falsification in ...
Jul 20, 2022 · But for years, he has faced allegations of plagiarism and falsified images in studies from his group. All told, 11 papers he has co-authored ...
[42]
Cancer researcher loses defamation suit against critic
May 13, 2020 · Sanders was quoted and paraphrased several times in connection with his claim that he had found falsified data and plagiarism in scientific ...
[43]
[PDF] Case: 2:17-cv-00338-JLG-EPD Doc #: 77 Filed - GovInfo
May 12, 2020 · issue of research misconduct and the failure of scientific journals to adequately address these problems. Dr. Sanders reached out to a ...
[44]
2008 Szent-Györgyi Prize Winner: Carlo M. Croce, M.D. - NFCR
The recipient of the 2008 Albert Szent-Györgyi Prize is Carlo M. Croce, M.D. for his groundbreaking discoveries that revolutionized cancer genetics.Missing: prominence | Show results with:prominence
[45]
CROCE v. SANDERS (2021) - FindLaw Caselaw
Feb 3, 2021 · Sanders, a virologist who teaches at Purdue University, has made claims of falsified data and plagiarism directly to scientific journals where ...
[46]
Carlo Croce v. David Sanders, No. 20-3577 (6th Cir. 2021)
Feb 3, 2021 · In the letter, Glanz named Sanders as the source of the allegations. Glanz's investigation led to a New York Times article about Croce ...
[47]
Litigious OSU professor loses appeal in federal defamation case
Feb 4, 2021 · Judge James Graham, of the Southern District of Ohio Eastern Division, ruled against Croce in the case last year. Croce filed an appeal, and ...Missing: virologist outcome<|separator|>
[48]
At Large Candidate Profiles: David Sanders | City - Purdue Exponent
Oct 30, 2015 · David Sanders is an associate professor of biological sciences at Purdue University. He is also a long-term resident of West Lafayette.Missing: virologist background Yale Columbia
[49]
Democratic Congressional Candidate Focuses on Local
Sep 19, 2006 · David Sanders, Democratic candidate for the U. S. House of Representatives for Indiana District 4 gave a talk in Baxter Hall Monday evening.
[50]
Election: West Lafayette City Council at-large - Journal & Courier
Oct 27, 2015 · Candidates: Steven R. Dietrich, Republican. James Hass, Republican. Dave Sturgeon, Republican. David Sanders, Democrat.Missing: announces | Show results with:announces
[51]
Democrats hold onto control in WL city council - Purdue Exponent
Nov 3, 2015 · The newly revamped West Lafayette City Council will remain in Democratic control in election results announced Tuesday night.
[52]
Four New Faces hold positions in West Lafayette City Council
Nov 4, 2015 · James Hass, Republican at-large candidate, and David Sanders, Democratic at-large candidate, wait for the results of City Council elections on ...Missing: announces | Show results with:announces
[53]
WL City Council member David Sanders jumps into state Senate race
Jan 26, 2022 · On Tuesday, David Sanders, a Purdue biology professor and West Lafayette City Council member, guaranteed there will a campaign heading into the ...Missing: congress | Show results with:congress<|separator|>
[54]
2022 Indiana State Senate - District 23 Election Results
Candidate, Total Votes, % Votes. Spencer Deery (R), 20,109, 63.6%. David Sanders (D), 11,517, 36.4%. County-By-County Results Map. Democratic Lead.
[55]
West Lafayette At-Large Council Race decided, Iris O'Donnell ... - WLFI
Nov 7, 2023 · WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. · Iris O'Donnell Bellisario, James Blanco, and David Sanders came out with the most votes. · Bellisario led the way with 2006 ...
[56]
Democrats sweep WL's council at large seats | City & State
Nov 7, 2023 · Democrats swept West Lafayette's council at large seats Tuesday night, with 5694 votes cast. Overall, the democratic candidates won with ...
[57]
City Council | West Lafayette, IN - IN.gov
City Council. Font Size: + -. Share & Bookmark Share & Bookmark, Press Enter ... David Sanders, 01/01/24-12/31/27, Elected. Meeting Information. All Council ...
[58]
West Lafayette councilman takes a stand for Israel over protestors ...
May 9, 2024 · By the end of the West Lafayette City Council meeting, the tone of tolerance evaporated as community members walked out after Sanders spoke.
[59]
West Lafayette City Council meeting gets heated as residents call for ...
May 7, 2024 · Councilor Sanders continued, “That can also happen in Israel. It could not happen in Hamas-controlled Gaza.” Waves of enraged protesters walked ...
[60]
Does a Gaza resolution have enough votes in West Lafayette?
Jun 2, 2024 · + David Sanders, who riled many in the crowd during a May 6 meeting by suggesting Hamas' culpability needed to be considered in the discussion, ...
[61]
West Lafayette council votes down Gaza ceasefire resolution
Jun 4, 2024 · "This was one of the many motivating factors for our resolutions.” Bellisario's statement referred to council member David Sanders' presentation ...
[62]
West Lafayette City Council grapples with question of what's a local ...
Jun 6, 2024 · “This was one of the many motivating factors for a resolution.” During May's city council meeting, Councilor David Sanders shared a history ...
[63]
After SK hynix vote, political rumblings in West Lafayette ...
May 7, 2025 · The lone vote against the rezoning came from David Sanders, who also was among three votes against the residential-to-industrial rezoning for ...
[64]
West Lafayette City Council rezones land for $3.8 billion chip plant
May 5, 2025 · Laila Veidemanis, Kathy Parker and David Sanders were the no votes. Michelle Dennis, Colin Lee, Larry Leverenz, Stacey Baitinger Burr, Iris ...
[65]
Is there an end in sight for high-rise developments in West Lafayette?
Sep 24, 2025 · ... David Sanders voted no, giving no explanation for his choice in vote before the roll call. But that "no" vote isn't out of the ordinary for ...
[66]
Thank you for voting no on the Sk Hynix and IEDC decision
Dec 3, 2024 · The lone vote against the measure came from city council member David Sanders. Sanders said SK hynix's plans – including production of high ...Missing: education | Show results with:education
[67]
Meet the Candidates: City Council | City & State | purdueexponent.org
Nov 5, 2023 · ... West Lafayette. David Sanders (D) - Council at Large. Why are you running for West Lafayette City Council? I believe in public service. My ...<|separator|>