Fangyi Chen

Dr. Fangyi Chen is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), where she has been faculty since 2012. She previously served as Executive Chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering from 2016 to 2018. Her research focuses on auditory and vestibular physiology, with particular emphasis on developing innovative methods for evaluating hearing and balance function in model organisms.

Dr. Chen received her academic training at prestigious institutions:

• BS in Biomedical Engineering from Tsinghua University (1997)
• MS in Biomedical Engineering from Tsinghua University (2000)
• PhD in Electrical Engineering from Boston University (2005)
• Postdoctoral training at Oregon Health and Science University (2005-2006)

Dr. Chen's research program centers on auditory and vestibular physiology, with several major themes. She has pioneered the development of vestibular function testing systems for zebrafish and mice that use eye movements as primary parameters, enabling automated, quantitative, and precise evaluation of vestibular damage. Her work spans multiple disciplines including hearing physiology, vestibular function, inner ear hair cell development, mechanisms of vertigo and tinnitus, and animal behavior analysis. Her research instruments are used by institutions such as Stanford University, the University of Virginia, Creighton University, and Tsinghua University.

Analysis of Dr. Chen's recent publications reveals a strong focus on translational research bridging basic science and clinical applications. Her work frequently employs zebrafish and mouse models to study hearing and balance disorders, with particular attention to hair cell development and regeneration, vestibular function assessment, and genetic models of hearing loss. Many of her publications appear in high-impact journals including Nature Neuroscience, Journal of Neuroscience, and Frontiers in Cellular Neuroscience, demonstrating the significance of her contributions to the field.

Dr. Chen has received notable recognition for her work:

• The Recruitment Program of Global Youth Experts, China central government (2012)
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Cochlear Mechanics Lab, Oregon Hearing Research Center (2005-2006)
• Dean's Award for the best Poster in Science and Technology Day, Boston University (2003)
• Dean's Fellowship, College of Engineering, Boston University (2000-2001)

Dr. Chen has been actively involved in mentoring students and securing research funding. Her laboratory has developed specialized equipment for vestibular function testing that is now used by multiple international institutions, indicating successful technology transfer and research impact. She has established collaborations with researchers across various disciplines, including neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical engineering.

Her research team focuses on developing and applying advanced techniques for auditory and vestibular assessment, with particular expertise in video-oculography, behavioral analysis, and molecular approaches to study sensory function. The lab maintains specialized facilities for working with zebrafish and mouse models, including equipment for precise vestibular function testing without surgical intervention.