In 1996 when David Rosa (Mechanical Engineering, ’89) was hired as one of the first engineers for Intuitive Surgical, a newly formed company dedicated to advancing surgery using robotics, he knew he had an opportunity to make a difference.

Twenty-five years later, both Rosa and the Sunnyvale-based corporation have not only developed minimally invasive surgical platforms, but they have also created diagnostic tools to help solve complex health care challenges around the world.

“Today’s students really want to change the world, and you can look at Dave Rosa and see that he’s one of those alumni who actually did change the world,” said College of Engineering Dean Amy S. Fleischer. “He is the truest example of what Cal Poly alumni can and should be.”

With a focus on innovative robotic systems for procedures that are performed through tiny incisions instead of a large opening, Intuitive Surgical developed the da Vinci surgical system, one of the first robotic devices to achieve FDA clearance. Through more than 5 million surgeries performed over the past 20 years, da Vinci platforms have pioneered new capabilities in the operating room, transforming the field of minimally invasive surgery.

Rosa, who has been a passionate supporter and evangelist of da Vinci technology since its inception, has held leadership positions in commercial, engineering, clinical development, marketing and product development at Intuitive. He serves as its executive vice president and chief business officer.

“I was the first one in my family to actually attend college,” said Rosa, who holds multiple patents. “As I was growing up, I was a hands-on person. Always making stuff and taking things apart. In many ways, I was fortunate to attend Cal Poly.”

Rosa met his wife, Deanna, at Cal Poly. He is one of 17 people in the couple’s families who have attended Cal Poly. That legacy has inspired him to stay connected to his alma mater.

Rosa serves on the College Advancement and Advisory Board, which provides the dean with thoughtful advice and feedback on the college’s strategic priorities while also promoting and leading support of philanthropic needs — specifically in the Mechanical, Biomedical and Aerospace departments.

Recently, Rosa funded an advanced 3-D printer that allows simultaneous flexible and hard plastic prototyping.

The printer allows students and faculty to improve medical device design by developing anatomical models that mimic tissue properties with a combination of rigid and flexible materials. These enable students to create prototypes using biocompatible materials.

“Rosa’s dedicated involvement on the advisory board and philanthropic support have furthered the Learn by Doing opportunities that we are able to offer in the college,” Fleischer said. “His passion for education has helped to prepare the next generation of engineers with the skills to create change as they embark on their careers.”

Cal Poly hosted a virtual celebration on Feb. 5 recognizing Rosa as one of the 2020 Honored Alumni award recipients. The group of esteemed alumni were selected for the impact these individuals have had in communities and industries throughout California and beyond.

“Our current students can really look to him as an example of what kind of difference engineers can make in the world — and really on a broad scale — one patient at a time,” Fleischer said. “Meanwhile, Dave has been committed to helping that next generation of engineers, regularly connecting with the college and our students — giving back in so many ways.”