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Pei Zhong

Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
1103 Engineering Annex, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708-0300
1103 Engineering Annex, Box 90300, Durham, NC 27708

Overview


My research focuses on engineering and technology development with applications in the non-invasive or minimally invasive treatment of kidney stone disease via shock wave and laser lithotripsy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and immunotherapy for cancer treatment, acoustic and optical cavitation, and ultrasound neuromodulation via sonogenetics. 

We are taking an integrated and translational approach that combines fundamental research with engineering and applied technology development to devise novel and enabling ultrasonic, optical, and mechanical tools for a variety of clinical applications. We are interested in shock wave/laser-fluid-bubble-solid interaction, and resultant mechanical and thermal fields that lead to material damage and removal.  We also investigate the stress response of biological cell and tissue induced by cavitation and ultrasound exposure, mediated through mechanosensitive ion channels, such as Piezo 1. Our research activities are primarily supported by NIH and through collaborations with the medical device industry.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science · 2012 - Present Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science, Pratt School of Engineering
Professor of Biomedical Engineering · 2024 - Present Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering

In the News


Published March 19, 2014
New method boon for kidney stone treatment

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Recent Publications


Three-Dimensional Super-Resolution Passive Cavitation Mapping in Laser Lithotripsy.

Journal Article IEEE Trans Ultrason Ferroelectr Freq Control · December 2024 Kidney stone disease is a major public health issue. By breaking stones with repeated laser irradiation, laser lithotripsy (LL) has become the main treatment for kidney stone disease. Laser-induced cavitation is closely associated with stone damage in LL. ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

Vapour bubbles produced by long-pulsed laser: A race between advection and phase transition

Journal Article Journal of Fluid Mechanics · November 21, 2024 Vapour bubbles produced by long-pulsed laser often have complex non-spherical shapes that reflect some characteristics of the laser beam. The transition between two commonly observed shapes, namely, a rounded pear-like shape and an elongated conical shape, ... Full text Cite

Editorial Comment.

Journal Article J Urol · October 2024 Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Assessment of the Optimal Settings of TFL for Laser Lithotripsy and Associated Thermal Injury Risk

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2028

Duke KURe Program

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases · 2013 - 2028

TRIO NRSA Training Core-Pre Doc Trainee

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEPreceptor · Awarded by University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill · 2023 - 2028

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Education, Training & Certifications


University of Texas, Arlington · 1992 Ph.D.
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Medical School · 1988 M.Sc.

External Links


Google Scholar