Principle Investigator
Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Faculty of Material Science and Engineering Program, Neuroscience and Behavior Program
Dr. Gao got her bachelor's degree from South-Central Minzu University and her master's degree in Chemical Engineering from Shanghai JiaoTong University, China. Then she earned Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst under the mentorship of Dr. S. Thayumanavan, where she cultivated expertise in synthesizing intelligent nanomaterials to achieve targeted drug delivery. Then she pursued postdoctoral under the mentorship of Dr. Jeffrey Karp and Dr. Nitin Joshi at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, where she focused on translational research of medical devices and drug delivery platforms for neurological disorders. She has been recognized as MIT Rising Stars of Chemical Engineering, and Future Faculty Scholar by American Chemical Society PMSE.
Ziyue Zhu
BME Ph.D. Student
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis
B.S. Bioengineering, Oregon State University
My research focuses on developing a long-acting delivery platform for biologics, such as proteins, to target chronic diseases. Outside of the lab, I enjoy rambling through nature, watching Netflix, and occasionally cooking.
Canyuan Yang
BME Ph.D. Student
M.A. Biochemistry, University of Delaware
M.S. Biochemistry, The George Washington University
B.S. Pharmacy, Xiamen University
My research focuses on delivering therapeutic molecules, such as siRNA and mRNA, to the brain for neuro-disorder treatment with nanoparticles. Outside of the lab, I enjoy listening to music and watching movies.
My research interest includes biomaterials, gene therapy, and pharmaceuticals science. Besides of lab, I love spending time cooking and watching cute pets on Reels!
My academic interests include using engineering principles to approach biomedical research and learn more about the human body. When not studying, you can find me at the tennis courts or hiking on a trail.
I love learning about cellular biology and the anatomy and physiology of different body systems. The prospect of combining these strengths to conduct research into nanoparticle delivery to better treat human diseases is very exciting! In my free time, I like baking, singing and taking care of my plants.
My academic interests include material science and using biomaterials for drug delivery. Outside of the lab, I enjoy trying new restaurants, reading, and thrifting.
I am currently a rising junior studying biomedical engineering at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. I am deeply passionate about learning the mechanisms behind pathology within the central nervous system and its relationship and dependence on other systems, such as the enteric nervous system. This relationship can be seen in cases like the gut-brain axis. During my free time, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, and running, as well as attending live music events with friends.
Zunkai Xu, Ph.D.
Postdoctoral Scholar
Ph.D. Polymer Chemistry and Physics, Nankai University
M.S. Biomedical Engineering, Jinan University (Guangzhou)
B.S. Qufu Normal University
In academic research, I focus on the use of nanotechnology and biomaterials to enhance the efficacy of therapeutic agents. In my free time, I love playing basketball and tennis.
My research interest lies in finding effective ways to delivery therapeutics into the brain to treat neurodegenerative diseases. In my spare time I enjoy exploring outdoors, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.
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My research passions are in pharmaceutical science, oncology, and neuroscience. I am eager to contribute to biomedical healthcare advancements. Additionally, I love to travel, try new foods, and spend time with my family and friends.