Bio

My research is focused on developing next-generation field-deployable molecular imaging, sensing, and diagnostic tools for human and plants. These tools are essential to translate conventional laboratory diagnostic tests from the bench to the point of care for rapid field detection, personal health monitoring, as well as battling infectious diseases in the resource-limited settings. My group is currently studying two main research schemes, including the development of “sample-to-answer” nucleic acid testing platform that can be used at home and cost-effective in-field sensing systems to detect plant diseases and stresses at early stage. We also develop nanophotonics enhanced molecular diagnostic assays towards ultra-sensitive analysis. Our work spans broadly at the interface of engineering, chemistry, nanoscience, and biology.

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Publications

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Education

University of California, Los Angeles, Postdoc Bioengineering & Electrical Engineering, 2016
Purdue University, Ph.D. Chemistry, 2012
Zhejiang University, M.S. Polymer Materials and Engineering, 2007
Zhejiang University, B.S. Polymer Materials and Engineering, 2005

Awards and Honors

• Emerging Investigator, Sensors & Diagnostics, 2025
• CBE Alcoa Scholar, NCSU, 2024
• University Faculty Scholar, NCSU, 2024
• Goodnight Early Career Innovator, NCSU, 2023
• NSF CAREER Award, 2020
• Nano Research Young Innovator (NR45) Award in NanoBiotech, 2018
• Honorable Mention, the Chancellor’s Award for Postdoctoral Research, UCLA, 2014
• Bilsland Dissertation Fellowship, Purdue University, 2011