Congenital Heart Disease Mutation Linked to Kidney Damage
Discovering the link between congenital heart disease and kidney problems could improve outcomes for patients with the disease
Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering
Integrating molecular biology, genetic engineering, synthetic biology and systems-level modeling to interrogate and reprogram cellular systems for targeted therapeutic intervention
Drawing from molecular and cell biology, biophysics, evolutionary biology, genetic engineering, and synthetic biology, researchers are developing new ways to read, manipulate, and apply genetic information to better understand disease and create new therapies.
Biomolecular and cellular engineering research in Duke BME focuses on understanding and engineering biological systems at the molecular and cellular levels to advance human health. This work includes gene and drug delivery, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, synthetic gene circuits, and systems biology approaches that reveal how cells and biological networks function.
By integrating experimental, computational, and clinical methods, Duke BME researchers are developing innovative treatments for genetic disorders, cancer, infectious diseases, and other complex health challenges.
Key Research Areas
- Genomics
- Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering
- Mechanobiology
- Synthetic and Systems Biology
Our Collaborators
Cellular and molecular engineers in Duke BME form close collaborations with clinicians at the Duke University School of Medicine, faculty in the departments of Chemistry, Biology and Cell Biology, and other key stakeholders.
Recent Biomolecular and Cellular Engineering News
Emma Chory Wins 2025 Hartwell Biomedical Research Award
Chory will use robotic platforms to synthesize molecules capable of reaching key proteins affiliated with “undruggable” pediatric cancers
Sharon Gerecht Receives 2026 Florence R. Sabin Award
Gerecht was recognized for her trailblazing stem cell and vascular bioengineering research and her steadfast mentorship to young scientists
Amy Gladfelter Elected to National Academy of Sciences
Gladfelter, a Duke Health Distinguished Professor of Cell Biology and Biomedical Engineering, is a quantitative cell biologist interested in fundamental mechanisms of cell organization
Using Iron to Destroy Multiple Myeloma Cancer Cells
Inhibiting a critical enzyme involved in iron regulation makes cancer cells vulnerable to cell death
Amanda Randles and Mark Palmeri Elected to AIMBE College of Fellows
The honor from the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering represents the top 2% of engineers in the field
Associated Faculty
Ashutosh Chilkoti, Ph.D.
Alan L. Kaganov Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Joel Collier
Associate Dean for Doctoral Education, Theodore Kennedy Professor of BME
Ken Gall
Professor in the Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
Sharon Gerecht
Chair of Biomedical Engineering, Paul M. Gross Distinguished Professor
Charlie Gersbach
John W. Strohbehn Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Dr Brent Hoffman, Ph.D.
Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
David Katz, Ph.D.
Nello L. Teer, Jr. Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering, in the Edmund T. Pratt, Jr. School of Engineering
Cameron M Kim
Associate Director of Undergraduate Studies, Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Department of BME
Jason F Luck
Assistant Professor of the Practice in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Dr Mike Lynch, M.D., Ph.D.
Director of Master’s Studies, W. H. Gardner, Jr. Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Robert A. Malkin
Professor of the Practice Emeritus in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Samira Musah, Ph.D.
Alfred M. Hunt Faculty Scholar Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering
Barry Myers, M.D., Ph.D.
Coulter Program Director, Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Wanda Krassowska Neu
Professor Emeritus of Biomedical Engineering
Kathy Nightingale, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies, Theo Pilkington Distinguished Professor of BME
Tatiana Segura
Robert Plonsey Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Cynthia Ann Toth
Joseph A.C. Wadsworth Distinguished Professor of Ophthalmology
George Truskey, Ph.D.
Associate Chair for Education, R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Shyni Varghese
Adjunct Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
Tuan Vo-Dinh, Ph.D.
R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Lingchong You, Ph.D.
James L. Meriam Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Other Research Specialties
Explore additional specialty research areas in Duke BME and throughout the Pratt School of Engineering.