Biomechanics & Biomaterials
Duke MEMS faculty are exploring a deep and rich array of biological phenomena to unlock discoveries leading to new bio-inspired materials. Building on our discoveries, we are solving analytical and biomechanical problems with clinical relevance.
We work closely with Duke collaborators in biomedical engineering, the natural sciences, Duke Nicholas School of the Environment and Duke University Medical Center in numerous research and educational activities.

Research Areas
- Acoustofluidics and microfluidics
- Biomaterials and soft matter
- Biomechanical engineering
- Medical device development
- Nanoscience and nanomedicine
- Tissue engineering

Centers & Initiatives
We foster strong and growing multidisciplinary connections with faculty across Duke University and beyond that include:
Associated Faculty

Wilkins Aquino, Ph.D.
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

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

Matthew L Becker
Hugo L. Blomquist Distinguished Professor of Chemistry

Cate Brinson, Ph.D.
Sharon C. and Harold L. Yoh, III Distinguished Professor

Chuan-Hua Chen
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Ashutosh Chilkoti, Ph.D.
Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering

Louis Edwin DeFrate
Laszlo Ormandy Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Liang Feng, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

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

Laurens E. Howle
Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science

Prof Tony Jun Huang
William Bevan Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

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

Dr Brian Mann, Ph.D.
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Piotr Marszalek, Ph.D.
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

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

Xiaoyue Ni
Assistant Professor of the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Christine Payne
Donald M. Alstadt Chair of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Yoh Family Professor

Amanda Randles
Alfred Winborne and Victoria Stover Mordecai Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences

Michael Rubinstein, Ph.D.
Aleksandar S. Vesic Distinguished Professor

Shyni Varghese
Laszlo Ormandy Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery

Stefan Zauscher, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies and Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of MEMS

Pei Zhong, Ph.D.
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Other Research Specialties
Explore additional specialty research areas in Duke MEMS and throughout the Pratt School of Engineering.