Assistant Professor Receives Federal Grant for Cell Research

Biomedical Engineering Assistant Professor Yi Zhao received a $748,711 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation for his project, “Integrated Micro-Electro-Mechanical-System for Cellular Mechanotransduction Studies,” to develop a microdevice for revealing how mechanical stimulus is perceived and processed by live cells and eventually leads to appropriate biochemical responses. This work will be of significant help for better understanding of the evolution of various physiologic and pathologic conditions governed by mechanosensitive cells, especially in the processes in embryo growth, physical therapy and biofabrication of engineered tissues.

CAREER awards are the NSF’s most prestigious honors in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations.