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Liping Feng

Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Sciences
Box 103208, Durham, NC 27710
701 W Main St, Durham, NC 27701

Research Interests


Maternal Environmental Exposure of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Pregnancy Outcomes.

Ureaplasma Parvum Infection and Preterm Premature Rupture of Fetal Membranes.

PGRMC1 Functions and cell aging in Fetal Membranes and Placentas.

Dr. Feng's research is focused on applying comprehensive molecular and genetic in vitro and in vivo approaches to study the pathogenesis of placenta-associated pregnancy complications and fetal brain and reproductive development.

One line of her research is to investigate the impacts of perinatal environmental exposures on birth outcomes. Specifically, Dr. Feng’s lab investigates the implications and underlying mechanisms of perinatal exposure to PFAS or extreme heat on pregnancy complications, endocrine disruption, fetal brain, and female ovary development, and immune functions in early life. Her research has focused on understanding these impacts by studying placental development and functions and the placenta-fetal brain axis.

Another line of her research is to understand the effects of dysregulated placental signaling on pregnancy outcomes and the health of offspring using genetically modified mice, placental cellular models, and placental imaging. 




Selected Grants


Duke University Program in Environmental Health

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2029

Perinatal Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) exposure and Immunotoxicity

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences · 2023 - 2028

Mixtures and maternal health: the effects of forever chemicals in the context of cART

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Battelle · 2024 - 2025

Perinatal PFAS exposure and early-life programming and neurodevelopment disorders

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Research Triangle Institute International · 2023 - 2024

Effects of perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS) exposure on adverse pregnancy outcomes and fetal development

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2017 - 2022

Cellular and Molecular Systems Biology of Preterm Birth

ResearchInvestigator · Awarded by University of Chicago · 2015 - 2019

Mechanisms of Progesterone mediated effect on cytokine induced Metalloproteinase activity in human trophoblast cells

ResearchResearch Associate · Awarded by Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology · 2012 - 2014

Progesterone Receptor Membrane Component 1 (PGRMC1) as a Predictor of Preterm Birth

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by The Biomarker Factory · 2013 - 2014

DMID 09-0005 Safety and Immunogenicity

Clinical TrialLaboratory Technician · Awarded by University of Maryland · 2010 - 2012

A randomized double-blind trial on the safety and immunogenicity of inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine in pregnant women.

ResearchLab Research Analyst II · Awarded by University of Maryland · 2009 - 2010

Fellowships, Gifts, and Supported Research


The Impacts of E-waste Exposure on birth outcomes in a Major E-waste Recycling City in China · June 2019 - 2020 PI · Awarded by: Duke Bass Connections
The development of a novel platform closely mimicking the human placental barrier · April 1, 2017 - September 30, 2018 Principal Investigator · Awarded by: MEDx Biomedical Research Fund
Maternal exposure to e-waste in Guiyu, China and birth outcomes · January 31, 2017 - July 30, 2018 Principal Investigator · Awarded by: Duke Global Health Institute GEM Pilot Grant
Understanding the pathogenicity of U. parvum among women and infants · January 1, 2015 Principal Investigator · Awarded by: Duke Perinatal Research Fund

External Relationships


  • Peking University
  • Shanghai JiaoTong University
  • Tianjin Central Hospital
  • U. S Department of Justice

This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.