معرفی
Pei Zhong, Ph.D. is a Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at Duke University and also holds a professorship in Biomedical Engineering. As a Bass Fellow, Dr. Zhong leads a research group focused on engineering and technology development for medical applications, particularly in the areas of kidney stone treatment and cancer therapy.
Dr. Zhong's educational background includes:
- M.Sc. from University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Medical School (1988)
- Ph.D. from University of Texas, Arlington (1992)
Dr. Zhong's 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. His laboratory takes 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. They investigate shock wave/laser-fluid-bubble-solid interaction and resultant mechanical and thermal fields that lead to material damage and removal, as well as the stress response of biological cell and tissue induced by cavitation and ultrasound exposure, mediated through mechanosensitive ion channels such as Piezo 1.
Dr. Zhong's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on advancing laser lithotripsy techniques, particularly with Thulium fiber lasers, and exploring the mechanisms of stone fragmentation. His work also extends to ultrasound-based cancer immunotherapy, where he investigates how mechanical disruption of tumors combined with immune checkpoint blockade can modify the tumor microenvironment and enhance systemic antitumor immunity. His research spans multiple disciplines including biomedical engineering, urology, oncology, and physics.
Dr. Zhong has received numerous prestigious awards and honors:
- Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America (2021)
- Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (2011)
- MERIT Award from the National Institutes of Health (2010)
- Searle New Investigator Research Award from the American Foundation for Urological Disease (1994)
Dr. Zhong has mentored numerous students and researchers in the field of biomedical engineering and urology. His research activities are primarily supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and through collaborations with the medical device industry. He teaches several courses at Duke University including ME 592: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science, ME 555: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering, and ME 336L: Fluid Mechanics.
