Richard J. Price

Richard J. Price is a Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Virginia, where he leads the Price Laboratory. His research focuses on developing non-invasive therapies using focused ultrasound for treating brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancers. He collaborates extensively with researchers in Radiology, Neuro-oncology, Immunotherapy, and Cardiovascular Medicine at UVA and Johns Hopkins.

• BS in Mechanical Engineering – Rochester Institute of Technology
• MS, PhD in Biomedical Engineering – University of Virginia
• Postdoctoral Training – University of Virginia

Dr. Price's research interests lie at the intersection of biomedical engineering and translational medicine. He investigates image-guided focused ultrasound for delivering drugs and genes across the blood-brain barrier, particularly for treating Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, and gliomas. Another major focus is leveraging thermal and mechanical effects of ultrasound to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses in melanoma and breast cancer. His lab also explores vascular biomechanics, especially how epigenetic factors regulate arteriogenesis and angiogenesis in peripheral arterial disease. These studies often integrate nanotechnology and immunomodulation strategies.

His recent publications reveal a strong trend toward combination therapies involving ultrasound, nanoparticles, and immunotherapeutics. Research spans from fundamental mechanisms of blood-brain barrier disruption to in vivo immune activation and computational modeling of endothelial signaling. The work emphasizes precision delivery, immune landscape modulation, and long-term therapeutic outcomes.

Scientific contributions include pioneering approaches in sonodynamic therapy, ultrasound-enhanced nanoparticle delivery, and immunoPET-informed treatment sequencing. While specific awards are not listed, his high-impact publications in journals like Science Advances, Theranostics, and Nature Communications reflect significant recognition in the field.

Dr. Price actively mentors graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, contributing to training in biomedical innovation. His lab benefits from collaborative grants with UVA and external partners, supporting interdisciplinary projects in nanomedicine and focused ultrasound. The research has strong translational potential, with applications in clinical oncology and neurology.

The Price Lab operates within a robust network including the Human Immunotherapy Center, Neuroscience, and Cardiovascular Medicine at UVA, and maintains a long-standing collaboration with the Johns Hopkins Center for Nanomedicine. This ecosystem enables rapid advancement from bench to bedside in developing novel ultrasound-based therapeutics.