Pei Zhong

Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Pei Zhong Profile Photo
Pei Zhong Profile Photo

Research Interests

Mechanistic investigation and technology development in shock wave and laser lithotripsy; Ultrasound-elicited mechanotransduction, neuromodulation and sonogenetics; HIFU and immunotherapy for cancer treatment; Acoustic and optical cavitation.

Bio

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. 

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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.

Education

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

Positions

  • Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
  • Bass Fellow

Awards, Honors, and Distinctions

  • Fellows. Acoustical Society of America. 2021
  • Fellows. American Society of Mechanical Engineers. 2011
  • MERIT Award. National Institutes of Health. 2010
  • Searle New Investigator Research Award. American Foundation for Urological Disease. 1994

Courses Taught

  • ME 592: Research Independent Study in Mechanical Engineering or Material Science
  • ME 555: Advanced Topics in Mechanical Engineering
  • ME 336L: Fluid Mechanics