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.
Yihan Xing
BME Ph.D. Student
M.M.,B.M. Oral Medicine (5+3), Sun Yat-sen University
My research interest lies in drug-targeted delivery and medical translation, with a focus on exploring molecular mechanisms to offer new clinical treatment strategies. Outside of work, I’m passionate about rock music, swimming pool, and exploring world cuisines with friends.
Sayani Das
Chemistry Ph.D. Student
M.S. Chemistry, University of Calcutta
B.S. Chemistry, University of Calcutta
My research focuses on designing polymer-protein nanomaterials for targeted nucleic acid delivery and controlling tissue tropism in therapeutic systems. I’m passionate about biomaterials, supramolecular chemistry, and drug delivery. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, singing, reading, and anime.
My research interest includes biomaterials, gene therapy, and pharmaceuticals science. Besides of lab, I love spending time cooking and watching cute pets on Reels!
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.
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.
I’m passionate about exploring material-based strategies and advanced drug delivery methods for targeting neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and traumatic brain injury (TBI). I’m particularly fascinated by the brain’s complex response—especially inflammation and tissue remodeling—following both injury and therapeutic intervention, as understanding these processes is key to developing effective treatments. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, cooking, and staying active.
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My research interests include developing effective strategies for target-specific drug delivery and gene therapy. I am always eager to discuss recent research and explore new ideas for treating diseases. In my free time, I enjoy playing ultimate frisbee and spending time outside.