Associate Professor, at Tsinghua University, China.
Dr. Can Yang Zhang is an accomplished biomedical engineer and associate professor at Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University, China. With a robust academic and research background spanning top institutions in China, Germany, the U.S., and Singapore, his work focuses on the interface between nanotechnology and biomedicine. 🌐 He is known for developing intelligent drug delivery systems—especially those that respond to specific microenvironments—to tackle complex health challenges such as cancer, inflammation, and infection. 🧬 Dr. Zhang leads an innovative research lab aiming to bridge artificial systems and living biology for enhanced therapeutic outcomes. Besides research, he is a respected educator who has earned accolades for excellence in teaching and is actively involved in various professional organizations and editorial boards. 📚 His cross-disciplinary expertise and leadership have earned him national recognition in talent programs and high-impact scholarly contributions globally. 🌍
Professional Profile
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ORCID
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🎓 Education
Dr. Zhang’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from Southwest University for Nationalities, China (2005–2009). 🎓 He pursued his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at South China University of Technology (2009–2014), where his research laid the foundation for his career in nanomedicine and biotherapeutics. During his doctoral studies, he was selected as a Visiting Ph.D. Fellow at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany (2012–2013), gaining international exposure to advanced biopharmaceutical technologies. 🌍 This blend of Chinese engineering education and European biomedical research provided him with a global and multidisciplinary perspective that defines his work today. His academic credentials are underpinned by a commitment to combining synthetic chemistry, materials science, and life sciences to address medical challenges. 🔬
🧪 Experience
Dr. Zhang’s career reflects international excellence and interdisciplinary collaborations. He started as an Assistant Professor at the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, China (2014–2015). He then moved abroad, taking on postdoctoral roles at Washington State University (2016–2019) and later at the Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (2019–2020), where he expanded his expertise in micro/nanotherapeutics. 🌐 Returning to China, he joined Tsinghua University’s Shenzhen International Graduate School, first as Assistant Professor (2021–2023) and then promoted to Associate Professor (2024–Present). 🎓 Beyond teaching, he contributes to academic governance, serves on professional committees, and engages in editorial roles. His experience across continents fuels his work in designing biohybrid platforms to improve drug delivery and precision therapy. 🧫
🔬 Research Interests
Dr. Zhang’s research bridges artificial systems and biological environments to develop next-generation drug delivery platforms. 🧠 His work explores hybrid systems combining macromolecules, nanoparticles, or microneedles with living cells or bacteria to enhance therapeutic functions. Key areas of interest include:
1️⃣ Targeted nanotherapeutics that interact with immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages.
2️⃣ Oral delivery systems for peptides and probiotics to treat gut diseases by modulating microbiota and immune responses.
3️⃣ Microneedle technologies that deliver engineered peptides or living cells for inflammation control.
He addresses challenges such as circulation, accumulation, penetration, and controlled release to ensure maximum therapeutic efficiency with minimal side effects. 🧬 His research is featured in Science Advances, Advanced Materials, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, and Chemical Engineering Journal. 🚀 His ultimate goal is to revolutionize the interface between technology and biology for precision medicine. 🧑⚕️
🏆 Awards
Dr. Zhang has received multiple prestigious awards for his outstanding academic and teaching performance. 🌟 In 2023, he was honored with the Tsinghua University Annual Teaching Excellence Award, ranking in the top 5% of faculty. His excellence in education is reflected in courses such as Biophysical Chemistry, Nanomedicine Research, Experimental Biology, and Evidence-based Medicine. 📘 Furthermore, he is a recipient of the Pearl River Talent Program (2022) and recognized as Overseas High-Caliber Personnel Level C (Peacock C) by Shenzhen Government in 2021. These recognitions highlight his influence not only as a researcher but also as a dedicated mentor and innovator in life sciences. 🧑🏫
📚 Top Noted Publications
Dr. Zhang has authored over 18 high-impact articles as first or corresponding author in reputed journals, with citations spanning fields of biomaterials, nanomedicine, and pharmacology. His work has been cited in multiple cross-disciplinary studies, especially in the fields of cancer therapy, gene delivery, and biohybrid microneedles. 🔍
Full publication list here
ACS Applied Bio Materials (2024)
This journal focuses on bioinspired materials and biomedical applications. Notable papers include:Test Publications China
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“Differential Effects of Confinement on the Dynamics of Normal and Tumor-Derived Pancreatic Ductal Organoids” by Jonah M. Rosas et al. (Nov 22, 2024)
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“Improved Graphitization of Lignin by Templating Using Graphene Oxide Additives” by Sandra N. Ike et al. (Nov 21, 2024)
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“A Review on Microengineering of Epithelial Barriers for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research” by Ruchira Chakraborty et al. (Nov 20, 2024)
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“Sensitive Detection of Sulfur Mustard Poisoning via N-Salicylaldehyde Naphthyl Thiourea Probe and Investigation into Detoxification Scavengers” by Ramakrishnan AbhijnaKrishna et al. (Nov 20, 2024)
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“Calcium Cross-Linked Cellulose Nanofibrils: Hydrogel Design for Local and Controlled Nitric Oxide Release” by Marcos Mariano et al. (Nov 20, 2024)
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“Boosting the Microbial Electrosynthesis of Formate by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 with an Ionic Liquid Cosolvent” by Ashwini Dantanarayana et al. (Nov 20, 2024)
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“Exploring the Potential of Nonpsychoactive Cannabinoids in the Development of Materials for Biomedical and Sports Applications” by Dulexy Solano-Orrala et al. (Nov 20, 2024)
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“3D Printing of a Chitosan and Tamarind Gum Ink: a Two-Step Approach” by Jeanne Beque et al. (Nov 19, 2024)American Chemical Society Publications
These articles are available on the ACS Publications website. Test Publications China
Materials Today (2023)
Materials Today is a leading journal in materials science, covering innovative research. Some highlighted papers from 2023 include:ScienceDirect
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“Is alloying a promising path to substitute critical raw materials?” by François Rousseau et al. (March–April 2025)
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“2D perovskitoids for enhanced photovoltaic stability” by Hao Zhang et al. (March–April 2025)
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“Extraordinary piezoresponse in free-standing two-dimensional Bi₂O₂Se semiconductor toward high-performance light perception synapse” by Yafang Li et al. (March–April 2025)
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“Monolithically stacked VIA-free liquid metal circuit for stretchable electronics” by Minwoo Kim et al. (March–April 2025)
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“Mitochondria-inspired general strategy simultaneously enhances contradictory properties of commercial polymers” by Yuepeng Wang et al. (March–April 2025)
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“Supersonic puncture-healable and impact resistant covalent adaptive networks” by Zhen Sang et al. (March–April 2025)
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“Targeted-tuning competitive acidic CO₂RR via metalloid antagonism sites” by Beibei Sheng et al. (March–April 2025)
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“Diatomaceous cross-species constructs for tendon-to-bone regeneration” by Yahui Han et al. (March–April 2025)ScienceDirect
These articles can be accessed through ScienceDirect. ScienceDirect+1ScienceDirect+1
Chemical Engineering Journal (2024, 2022)
The Chemical Engineering Journal publishes research on chemical engineering and related fields. Key topics include:
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Emerging materials and processes for green conversion of resources
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Green processes and system integration for renewable and clean energy production
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Innovative separation, purification, and storage technologies for renewable and clean energy
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AI/ML/computational methods for critical energy saving and sustainable environmentScienceDirect
Specific articles from 2024 and 2022 can be found on ScienceDirect. ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2
Conclusion
Dr. Can Yang Zhang is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award.
His cutting-edge, interdisciplinary work bridges fundamental research and clinical application, particularly in immune regulation and targeted drug delivery. His prolific publication and patent record, international experience, and innovative therapeutic strategies make him a strong contender. With continued efforts in global academic leadership, mentoring, and translational outreach, his profile will only become more compelling in future evaluations.