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Kathryn Radabaugh Nightingale

Theo Pilkington Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical Engineering
Box 90281, Durham, NC 27708-0281
277 Hudson Hall Annex, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


The goals of our laboratory are to investigate and improve ultrasonic imaging methods for clinically-relevant problems. We do this through theoretical, experimental, and simulation methods. The main focus of our recent work is the development of novel, acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI)-based elasticity imaging methods to generate images of the mechanical properties of tissue, involving interdisciplinary research in ultrasonics and tissue biomechanics. We have access to the engineering interfaces of several commercial ultrasound systems which allows us to design, rapidly prototype, and experimentally demonstrate custom sequences to explore novel beamforming and imaging concepts. We employ FEM modeling methods to simulate the behavior of tissues during mechanical excitation, and we have integrated these tools with ultrasonic imaging modeling tools to simulate the ARFI imaging process. We maintain strong collaborations with the Duke University Medical Center where we work to translate our technologies to clinical practice. The ARFI imaging technologies we have developed have served as the basis for commercial imaging technologies that are now being used in clinics throughout the world.  We are also studying the risks and benefits of increasing acoustic output energy for specific clinical imaging scenarios, with the goal of improving ultrasonic image quality in the difficult-to-image patient.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Theo Pilkington Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2019 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering · 2016 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2016 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers
Bass Fellow · 2018 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

In the News


Published May 7, 2019
Duke Adds 21 Faculty to Distinguished Faculty Rank

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Recent Publications


3D rotational shear wave elasticity imaging (3D-RSWEI) in anisotropic lattice phantoms.

Journal Article Journal of the mechanical behavior of biomedical materials · May 2025 We present ultrasonic 3D rotational shear wave elasticity imaging (3D-RSWEI) characterization of anisotropic 3D-printed hydrogel lattice phantoms that were originally developed for magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) applications. Shear wave speeds versu ... Full text Cite

Evaluation of 3D ARFI imaging of prostate cancer: diagnostic reliability and concordance with MpMRI.

Journal Article Cancer Imaging · April 23, 2025 PURPOSE: The prevalence of prostate cancer (PCa) necessitates advanced diagnostic approaches for detection and lesion characterization. Utilizing two patient cohorts (n = 85), this study analyzes a custom-designed 3D ultrasonic acoustic radiation force imp ... Full text Link to item Cite

Clinical Feasibility of 3-D Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse (ARFI) Imaging for Targeted Prostate Biopsy Guidance.

Journal Article Ultrason Imaging · March 2025 We have developed a 3-D acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) prostate imaging system to identify regions suspicious for cancer and guide a targeted prostate biopsy in a single visit. The system uses a side-fire transrectal probe and an automated rotatio ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Developing a Novel Clinical Care Model for Chronic Patellar Tendinopathy Utilizing Whole Person Healthcare

ResearchCo-Mentor · Awarded by National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases · 2023 - 2028

3D Shearwave Elasticity Biomarker Development for Neuromuscular Disease

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2025

Matrix Transducer for 3D-SWEI Hepatic Imaging

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Acoustiic Inc · 2023 - 2024

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Education, Training & Certifications


Duke University · 1997 Ph.D.
Duke University · 1989 B.S.