Biomechanics pioneer Steven Vogel dies. Duke Today, Nov. 30, 2015. Duke biologist Steven Vogel, whose eclectic research interests ranged from flying insects and fluttering leaves to swimming squid and nectar-slurping hummingbirds, died on Nov. 24 at Croasdaile Village in Durham. He was 75. Also featured in The Scientist, The New York Times and the Boston Globe.