Xin Zhang

Xin Zhang is a distinguished Professor of Engineering at Boston University's College of Engineering with primary appointment in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and additional affiliations in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering. She holds the title of Distinguished Professor of Engineering and serves as faculty at the BU Photonics Center. Her groundbreaking work focuses on metamaterials with transformative applications in medical imaging and acoustic technologies.

Dr. Zhang's research centers on metamaterials and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), with three key application areas: tunable metamaterials for photonic and optical applications, clinical medical imaging technologies (particularly MRI enhancement), and acoustic silencing and noise reduction systems. Her innovations include a wearable magnetic metamaterial helmet that significantly improves MRI scan quality and ultra-open metamaterials that block noise while maintaining airflow.

Her recent publications demonstrate continued leadership in applying computational methods to metamaterial design, with significant focus on MRI enhancement and acoustic applications. The trend shows increasing integration of AI methods with physical metamaterial design for medical applications.

• Thomas A. Edison Patent Award (2025) for pioneering contributions to metamaterials
• STAT Madness All-Star Award (2023) for MRI-boosting metamaterial technology
• Guggenheim Fellowship (2022) recognizing her innovative work
• Election to National Academy of Inventors (2019)
• Multiple society fellowships including IEEE, APS, AAAS, and ASME

Dr. Zhang actively mentors students and collaborates across disciplines, notably with Stephan Anderson from BU School of Medicine on MRI-related technologies. Her research has significant translational potential with several technologies moving toward clinical implementation. She leads the Laboratory for Microsystems Technology at Boston University, driving innovation at the intersection of physics, engineering design, and materials science.