Chunfeng Zhao

Dr. Chunfeng Zhao is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering and Orthopedics at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He holds primary and joint appointments in the Departments of Orthopedic Surgery, Surgery, and Physiology & Biomedical Engineering.

• Research Fellowship, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (2000)
• Clinical Fellowship in Spine Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (1989)
• MD, Tianjin Medical College (1982)

Dr. Zhao specializes in orthopedic translational research and biomechanics, focusing on engineering strategies for musculoskeletal tissue repair/regeneration and autologous/allograft transplantation. His work includes ultrasound elastography for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis and biomechanical testing of joint/tendon function. Recent publications highlight exosome-based therapies for tissue repair and tendon engineering using canine models.

His research output spans 25+ years with 284 publications and 6 major NIH/DoD grants. Key projects include Tissue-Engineered Tendon Complexes (NIH, 2019-2023), Flexor Tendon Healing Strategies (NIH, 2021-2025), and Non-Invasive Carpal Tunnel Diagnostics (2015-2016).

• Richard A. Brand Award for Outstanding Orthopaedic Research (2014)
• Translational Research Award, Regenerative Medicine Minnesota (2022-2024)
• Best Research Paper Award, International Symposium on Ligaments and Tendons (2004)

Dr. Zhao leads the Orthopedic Biomechanics Research Laboratory and has served on editorial boards for Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research and BioMed Research International. His work bridges clinical practice with engineering innovation, impacting tendon/ligament injury treatment and diagnostic methodologies.