Steven Nicholas Vaslef | Scholars@Duke

Steven Nicholas Vaslef
Associate Professor of Surgery

Current research interests include: The development of an implantable artificial lung; design and evaluation of membrane oxygenators; evaluation of blood substitutes; treatment and physiology of shock; gastrointestinal tonometry.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Associate Professor of Surgery, Trauma, Acute, and Critical Care Surgery, Surgery 2004
Assistant Professor in Anesthesiology, Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology 1996

Contact Information

Box 2837 Med Ctr, DUMC, Durham, NC 27710
Room 1557, Duke South - Blue Zone, Durham, NC 27710
vasle001@mc.duke.edu (919) 684-3636

Background
Education, Training, & Certifications
- Ph.D., Northwestern University 1990
- M.D., University of Virginia 1984
Duke Appointment History
- Division Chief of Trauma and Critical Care in the Department of Surgery, Surgery, Clinical Science Departments 2011 - 2017
- Associate Professor of Surgery, Surgery, Clinical Science Departments 2000 - 2004
- Assistant Professor of Surgery, Surgery, Clinical Science Departments 1994 - 2000
- Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Pratt School of Engineering 1995 - 1997
Research
Selected Grants
- SC2i 2014 - 2019
Publications & Artistic Works
Selected Publications
- Academic Articles
  - Sigurdsson, Martin I., Benjamin Brockbank, John C. Haney, Jon Andrews, David B. MacLeod, Steven N. Vaslef, Kelli R. Brooks, Erin L. Manning, and Alina Nicoara. “Abdominal Gunshot Causing Ventricular Septal Injury Without Perforation into the Pericardium..” J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 33, no. 3 (March 2019): 772–75. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jvca.2018.02.038.
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  - Giattino, Charles M., Jacob E. Gardner, Faris M. Sbahi, Kenneth C. Roberts, Mary Cooter, Eugene Moretti, Jeffrey N. Browndyke, et al. “Intraoperative Frontal Alpha-Band Power Correlates with Preoperative Neurocognitive Function in Older Adults..” Front Syst Neurosci 11 (2017). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnsys.2017.00024.
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  - Keenan, Jeffrey E., Brian C. Gulack, Daniel P. Nussbaum, Cindy L. Green, Steven N. Vaslef, Mark L. Shapiro, and John E. Scarborough. “Optimal timing of tracheostomy after trauma without associated head injury..” J Surg Res 198, no. 2 (October 2015): 475–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2015.03.072.
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  - Christie, Jason D., Steven Vaslef, Philip K. Chang, Addison K. May, Scott R. Gunn, Shuying Yang, Kelly Hardes, et al. “A Randomized Dose-Escalation Study of the Safety and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibitor Dilmapimod in Severe Trauma Subjects at Risk for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome..” Crit Care Med 43, no. 9 (September 2015): 1859–69. https://doi.org/10.1097/CCM.0000000000001132.
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  - McCoy, Christopher Cameron, Brian R. Englum, Jeffrey E. Keenan, Steven N. Vaslef, Mark L. Shapiro, and John E. Scarborough. “Impact of specific postoperative complications on the outcomes of emergency general surgery patients..” J Trauma Acute Care Surg 78, no. 5 (May 2015): 912–18. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0000000000000611.
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  - Brooks, Kelli R., John E. Scarborough, Steven N. Vaslef, and Mark L. Shapiro. “No need to wait: an analysis of the timing of cholecystectomy during admission for acute cholecystitis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database..” J Trauma Acute Care Surg 74, no. 1 (January 2013): 167–73. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e3182788b71.
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  - Sarraf-Yazdi, Shiva, Michelle Sharpe, Kyla M. Bennett, Tim L. Dotson, Deverick J. Anderson, and Steven N. Vaslef. “A 9-Year retrospective review of antibiotic cycling in a surgical intensive care unit..” J Surg Res 176, no. 2 (August 2012): e73–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2011.12.014.
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  - Bhattacharya, Syamal D., Steven N. Vaslef, Theodore N. Pappas, and John E. Scarborough. “Locoregional versus general anesthesia for open inguinal herniorrhaphy: a National Surgical Quality Improvement Program analysis..” Am Surg 78, no. 7 (July 2012): 798–802.
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  - Bennett, Kyla M., Steven Vaslef, Theodore N. Pappas, and John E. Scarborough. “The volume-outcomes relationship for United States Level I trauma centers..” J Surg Res 167, no. 1 (May 1, 2011): 19–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2010.05.020.
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  - Gerardo, Charles J., Seth W. Glickman, Steven N. Vaslef, Abhinav Chandra, Ricardo Pietrobon, and Charles B. Cairns. “The rapid impact on mortality rates of a dedicated care team including trauma and emergency physicians at an academic medical center..” J Emerg Med 40, no. 5 (May 2011): 586–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.08.056.
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  - Coursey, Courtney A., Rendon C. Nelson, Ricardo D. Moreno, Mayur B. Patel, Craig A. Beam, and Steven Vaslef. “Appendicitis, body mass index, and CT: is CT more valuable for obese patients than thin patients?.” Am Surg 77, no. 4 (April 2011): 471–75.
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  - Bennett, Kyla M., John E. Scarborough, and Steven Vaslef. “Outcomes and health care resource utilization in super-elderly trauma patients..” J Surg Res 163, no. 1 (September 2010): 127–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jss.2010.04.031.
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  - Coursey, Courtney A., Rendon C. Nelson, Ricardo D. Moreno, Leslie G. Dodd, Mayur B. Patel, and Steven Vaslef. “Carcinoid tumors of the appendix: are these tumors identifiable prospectively on preoperative CT?.” Am Surg 76, no. 3 (March 2010): 273–75.
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  - Coursey, Courtney A., Rendon C. Nelson, Mayur B. Patel, Courtney Cochran, Leslie G. Dodd, David M. Delong, Craig A. Beam, and Steven Vaslef. “Making the diagnosis of acute appendicitis: do more preoperative CT scans mean fewer negative appendectomies? A 10-year study..” Radiology 254, no. 2 (February 2010): 460–68. https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.09082298.
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  - Scarborough, J. E., and S. N. Vaslef. “Utilisation of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in blunt thoracic trauma.” Trauma 12, no. 4 (January 1, 2010): 247–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/1460408610382494.
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  - Bennett, Kyla M., Steven N. Vaslef, Mark L. Shapiro, Kelli R. Brooks, and John E. Scarborough. “Does intent matter? The medical and societal burden of self-inflicted injury..” J Trauma 67, no. 4 (October 2009): 841–47. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e3181b24cd3.
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  - Rivera-Troche, Enid Y., Matthew G. Hartwig, and Steven N. Vaslef. “Multiseptate gallbladder..” J Gastrointest Surg 13, no. 9 (September 2009): 1741–43. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11605-009-0880-0.
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  - Funk, Duane J., Eugenio Lujan, Eugene W. Moretti, John Davies, Christopher C. Young, Mayur B. Patel, and Steven N. Vaslef. “A brief report: the use of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation for severe pulmonary contusion..” J Trauma 65, no. 2 (August 2008): 390–95. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e31817f283f.
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  - Diaz, Jose J., Daniel C. Cullinane, Daniel T. Altman, Faran Bokhari, Joseph S. Cheng, John Como, Oliver Gunter, et al. “Practice management guidelines for the screening of thoracolumbar spine fracture..” J Trauma 63, no. 3 (September 2007): 709–18. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e318142d2db.
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  - Bennett, Kyla M., John E. Scarborough, Michelle Sharpe, Elizabeth Dodds-Ashley, Keith S. Kaye, Thomas Z. Hayward, and Steven N. Vaslef. “Implementation of antibiotic rotation protocol improves antibiotic susceptibility profile in a surgical intensive care unit..” J Trauma 63, no. 2 (August 2007): 307–11. https://doi.org/10.1097/TA.0b013e318120595e.
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  - Vaslef, Steven N., Charles B. Cairns, and John M. Falletta. “Ethical and regulatory challenges associated with the exception from informed consent requirements for emergency research: from experimental design to institutional review board approval..” Arch Surg 141, no. 10 (October 2006): 1019–23. https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.141.10.1019.
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  - Atkins, B Zane, Steve Abbate, Samuel R. Fisher, and Steven N. Vaslef. “Current management of laryngotracheal trauma: case report and literature review..” J Trauma 56, no. 1 (January 2004): 185–90. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.TA.0000082650.62207.92.
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  - Wirk, Shaheen, and Steven N. Vaslef. “Oxygen transport dynamics after resuscitation with a conjugated hemoglobin solution..” Arch Surg 139, no. 1 (January 2004): 55–60. https://doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.139.1.55.
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  - Voss, Miranda, Jose Pinheiro, James Reynolds, Rebecca Greene, Mark Dewhirst, Steven N. Vaslef, Erik Clary, and W Steve Eubanks. “Endoscopic components separation for abdominal compartment syndrome..” Am J Surg 186, no. 2 (August 2003): 158–63. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0002-9610(03)00171-5.
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  - Vaslef, Steven N., Nancy W. Knudsen, Patrick J. Neligan, and Mark W. Sebastian. “Massive transfusion exceeding 50 units of blood products in trauma patients..” J Trauma 53, no. 2 (August 2002): 291–95. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200208000-00017.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., B. J. Kaminski, and T. L. Talarico. “Oxygen transport dynamics of acellular hemoglobin solutions in an isovolemic hemodilution model in swine..” J Trauma 51, no. 6 (December 2001): 1153–60. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200112000-00022.
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  - Hewett, J. J., K. S. Freed, D. H. Sheafor, S. N. Vaslef, and M. A. Kliewer. “The spectrum of abdominal venous CT findings in blunt trauma..” Ajr Am J Roentgenol 176, no. 4 (April 2001): 955–58. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.176.4.1760955.
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  - Kypson, A. P., N. Wentzensen, G. S. Georgiade, and S. N. Vaslef. “Traumatic vertebrojugular arteriovenous fistula: case report..” J Trauma 49, no. 6 (December 2000): 1141–43. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200012000-00031.
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  - Noone, R. B., J. E. Bolden, M. G. Mythen, and S. N. Vaslef. “Comparison of the response of saline tonometry and an automated gas tonometry device to a change in CO2..” Crit Care Med 28, no. 11 (November 2000): 3728–33. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003246-200011000-00032.
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  - Dahm, P., F. H. Roland, S. N. Vaslef, R. E. Moon, D. T. Price, G. S. Georgiade, and J. Vieweg. “Outcome analysis in patients with primary necrotizing fasciitis of the male genitalia..” Urology 56, no. 1 (July 2000): 31–35. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0090-4295(00)00604-x.
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  - Shah, A. S., J. M. Forbess, L. A. Skaryak, R. E. Lilly, S. N. Vaslef, and T. A. D’Amico. “Emergent thoracotomy for airway control after intrathoracic tracheal injury..” J Trauma 48, no. 6 (June 2000): 1163–64. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200006000-00027.
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  - Glasgow, S. C., A. S. Shah, R. B. Noone, M. R. Gottfried, S. R. Eachempati, T. L. Talarico, and S. N. Vaslef. “Comparison of various hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate solutions as resuscitative fluids after hemorrhagic shock..” J Trauma 48, no. 5 (May 2000): 884–92. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200005000-00012.
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  - Hewett, J. J., K. S. Freed, D. H. Sheafor, and S. N. Vaslef. “Contained hematoma (pseudoaneurysm) of the inferior vena cava associated with blunt abdominal trauma..” Ajr Am J Roentgenol 172, no. 4 (April 1999). https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.172.4.10587173.
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  - Hughes, G. C., T. P. Smith, S. R. Eachempati, S. N. Vaslef, and R. L. Reed. “The use of a temporary vena caval interruption device in high-risk trauma patients unable to receive standard venous thromboembolism prophylaxis..” J Trauma 46, no. 2 (February 1999): 246–49. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-199902000-00007.
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  - Abdul Jabbar, A. S., S. N. Al Shanafey, and S. N. Vaslef. “Gallstone pancreatitis in pregnancy..” Saudi J Gastroenterol 5, no. 1 (January 1999): 32–35.
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  - Eachempati, S. R., S. N. Vaslef, M. W. Sebastian, and R. L. Reed. “Blunt vascular injuries of the head and neck: is heparinization necessary?.” J Trauma 45, no. 6 (December 1998): 997–1004. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-199812000-00004.
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  - Noone, R. B., M. G. Mythen, and S. N. Vaslef. “Effect of alpha(alpha)-cross-linked hemoglobin and pyridoxalated hemoglobin polyoxyethylene conjugate solutions on gastrointestinal regional perfusion in hemorrhagic shock..” J Trauma 45, no. 3 (September 1998): 457–69. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-199809000-00006.
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  - Sheafor, D. H., T. M. Foti, S. N. Vaslef, and R. C. Nelson. “Fat in the inferior vena cava associated with caval injury..” Ajr Am J Roentgenol 171, no. 1 (July 1998): 181–82. https://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.171.1.9648784.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., J. B. Dragelin, M. W. Takla, and E. J. Saliba. “Multiple impalement with survival..” Am J Emerg Med 15, no. 1 (January 1997): 70–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0735-6757(97)90053-x.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., and J. S. Vender. “Postoperative care of the trauma patient.” Anesthesiology Clinics of North America 14, no. 1 (January 1, 1996): 239–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0889-8537(05)70397-7.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., L. F. Mockros, K. E. Cook, R. J. Leonard, J. C. Sung, and R. W. Anderson. “Computer-assisted design of an implantable, intrathoracic artificial lung..” Artif Organs 18, no. 11 (November 1994): 813–17. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1525-1594.1994.tb03328.x.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., L. F. Mockros, R. W. Anderson, and R. J. Leonard. “Use of a mathematical model to predict oxygen transfer rates in hollow fiber membrane oxygenators..” Asaio J 40, no. 4 (October 1994): 990–96.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., K. E. Cook, R. J. Leonard, L. F. Mockros, and R. W. Anderson. “Design and evaluation of a new, low pressure loss, implantable artificial lung..” Asaio J 40, no. 3 (July 1994): M522–26.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., and T. K. Goldstick. “Enhanced oxygen delivery induced by perfluorocarbon emulsions in capillary tube oxygenators..” Asaio J 40, no. 3 (July 1994): M643–48.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., L. F. Mockros, and R. W. Anderson. “Development of an intravascular lung assist device..” Asaio Trans 35, no. 3 (July 1989): 660–64.
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- Other Articles
  - Stephenson, G Robert, John L. Gray, Steven N. Vaslef, John T. Louis, and Stephen L. Hill. “Impingement of the supraceliac aorta after a gun shot wound..” J Trauma, August 2002. https://doi.org/10.1097/00005373-200208000-00042.
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  - Vaslef, S. N., R. Gross, J. G. Tyburski, E. S. Barquist, and M. A. Schreiber. “The effect of recombinant factor VIIa on coagulopathic pigs with grade V liver injuries - Discussion.” Journal of Trauma Injury Infection and Critical Care. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, August 1, 2002.
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  - McKenney, M. G., and S. N. Vaslef. “Oxygen transport dynamics of acellular hemoglobin solutions in an isovolemic hemodilution model in swine - Discussion.” Journal of Trauma Injury Infection and Critical Care. LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS, December 1, 2001.
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- Conference Papers
  - Darrabie, Marcus D., Jaewoo Lee, Jennifer Cheeseman, Alexander T. Limkakeng, Steven N. Vaslef, Bruce A. Sullenger, and Allan D. Kirk. “Toll-Like Receptor Signaling as a Prognostic Tool in Trauma Patients.” In Journal of the American College of Surgeons, 223:S159–60. Elsevier BV, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2016.06.346.
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  - Patel, Mayur B., Syamal D. Bhattacharya, Judson B. Williams, Timothy E. Sweeney, Steven N. Vaslef, G Chad Hughes, Paul C. Kuo, and Jeffery H. Lawson. “Six Year, Single Institution, off-Label Use of Recombinant Factor VIIa..” In Blood, 116:603–603. AMER SOC HEMATOLOGY, 2010.
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  - Gerardo, C. J., S. N. Vaslef, A. Chandra, C. McCormick, R. Pietrobon, and C. B. Cairns. “The impact of specialty trained emergency medicine and trauma teams on trauma mortality rates at an academic level I trauma center.” In Annals of Emergency Medicine, 48:S102–S102. MOSBY-ELSEVIER, 2006.
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  - Hayward, T. Z., S. N. Vaslef, and N. W. Knudsen. “Predictors of mortality in transferred ICU patients.” In Critical Care Medicine, 31:A134–A134, 2003.
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  - Hayward, Thomas Z., and Steven N. Vaslef. “PREDICTORS OF MORTALITY IN TRANSFERRED ICU PATIENTS.” In Critical Care Medicine, 30:A134–A134. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), 2002. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003246-200212001-00458.
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  - Tuttle-Newhall, J. E., B. H. Collins, S. N. Vaslef, P. C. Kuo, E. Piantadosi, G. R. Stephenson, M. A. Heneghan, and N. W. Knudsen. “The effect of pre-transplant MELD score on length of stay and hospital charges after orthotopic liver transplantation..” In Hepatology, 36:193A-193A. W B SAUNDERS CO, 2002.
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  - Sebastian, M. W., N. W. Knudsen, G. S. Georgiade, D. H. Allen, and S. N. Vaslef. “Streamlined critical care bed flow in a tertiary care medical center.” In Critical Care Medicine, Vol. 27, 1999.
Teaching & Mentoring
Recent Courses
- SURGERY 441C: Sub-Internship in Surgical Intensive Care 2019
- SURGERY 443C: Trauma Service 2019

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Education, Training, & Certifications

Duke Appointment History

Selected Grants

Selected Publications

Academic Articles

Other Articles

Conference Papers

Recent Courses