A Kennesaw State University researcher is working to improve the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders by developing virtual models of the human stomach. Lei Shi, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology, is leading a project funded by a National Science Foundation grant.
Shi’s research uses advanced medical imaging, biomechanics testing, and computational modeling to create patient-specific “digital twins” of the stomach. These digital replicas simulate both the physical structure and electrical activity of the organ. According to Shi, this approach aims to address challenges faced by patients who experience chronic GI symptoms but receive inconclusive results from standard diagnostic procedures.
“This research is personal for me,” Shi said. “I’ve experienced stomach issues myself, and I know how disruptive they can be. Many people feel discomfort, nausea, or digestive problems, but after an endoscopy or imaging, they’re told everything looks normal. We want to understand what’s going on at a deeper level.”
The project operates on two main ideas: that microscopic changes in stomach tissue may exist even when imaging appears normal, and that disruptions in natural electrical signals can affect how the stomach functions. By integrating data from CT scans, endoscopy images, and manometry measurements provided by collaborating physicians at Emory University, Shi’s team builds 3D models and conducts biomechanical tests to analyze tissue properties.
“Two stomachs may look the same, but one might be stiff while the other is soft. That difference affects how it moves,” Shi explained. “By combining mechanical properties with electrical activity patterns, we can create a model that behaves just like the real organ.”
These digital twins could help identify subtle changes missed by current tools and provide a platform for planning treatments. The research has potential applications beyond the stomach; Shi plans to expand modeling efforts to include the entire GI tract and study its interactions with other body systems such as the brain-gut axis. He also intends to use machine learning techniques for faster analysis based on insights gained from previous work on other organs.
“Dr. Shi’s innovative research demonstrates the power of collaboration to create a better life for all.” SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman said. “By merging engineering, computer science, and medicine, his work has the potential to transform both scientific understanding and patient care.”
Students are involved in this initiative as well. A Ph.D. student currently contributes to experimental work validating these models while gaining practical laboratory experience.
“What excites me most is that the work goes beyond coding and simulations,” said Yue Li, a Ph.D. student working with Shi. “I have the opportunity to learn mechanical experiments firsthand and contribute data that helps validate our models, which makes the research truly meaningful.”
