Yaowu Hao

Dr. Yaowu Hao is a Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. He holds joint appointments in both Materials Science and Engineering and Bioengineering departments. His academic journey began with a BS and MS in Metal Physics and Chemistry from the University of Science and Technology in Beijing, followed by an MS in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Florida, and culminated with a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT in 2003. After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University, he joined UT Arlington in 2005, progressing from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and ultimately to his current position as Professor since 2018.

Dr. Hao's research focuses primarily on nanomedicine, with specific interests in plasmonic metal and semiconductor nanoparticles for biomedical imaging and drug delivery applications, as well as radioactive copper-based inorganic nanoparticles for biomedical imaging and therapeutic applications. His work spans nanotechnology, nuclear medicine, plasmonics, and magnetic materials, with a strong emphasis on developing novel nanomaterials for cancer diagnosis and treatment. His laboratory has made significant contributions to the fields of hollow nanoparticles, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates, and nanotheranostic agents.

Analysis of Dr. Hao's recent publications reveals a consistent focus on nanomaterial synthesis and biomedical applications. His work demonstrates expertise in creating various nanostructures (gold, silver, tungsten disulfide) with specific morphologies for targeted applications, particularly in cancer therapy and diagnostics. There's a clear progression from fundamental nanomaterial synthesis to increasingly sophisticated theranostic applications, with recent work focusing on radiolabeling strategies, improved memory devices, and advanced SERS substrates for sensitive detection.

• US patent 9,040,157: Hollow nanoparticles and nanocomposites and methods of making hollow nanoparticles and nanocomposites (issued May 26, 2015)
• US patent 9,801,962 B2: Radioactive nanoparticles and methods and using of the same (issued October 31, 2017)

Dr. Hao has mentored numerous graduate students through their PhD and MS research projects, with current advisees including Christopher Pickering, Aseem Athavale, Shahab Ranjbar Bahadori, and Ryan Hart. His research has been generously supported by multiple federal grants from NIH and NSF, as well as state funding from organizations like the Cancer Prevention & Research Institute of Texas. Current major projects include "Radiotherapeutic Nanoseeds for Internal Radiation Therapy of Unresectable Solid Tumors" (NIH-funded) and "Collaborative Research: Hollow Nanoparticle Synthesis" (NSF-funded).

Dr. Hao leads the Hao Research Group, which focuses on developing novel nanomaterials for biomedical applications. The group maintains strong collaborations with researchers in bioengineering and oncology, particularly in developing nanotheranostic agents for cancer treatment. Current projects involve radioactive nanoseeds for glioblastoma treatment, renal clearable nanoparticles, and advanced SERS substrates for sensitive molecular detection.