معرفی
Yi Zuo is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Adjunct Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Hawaii's College of Engineering. He holds a PhD from the University of Toronto and leads research in biophysics, surface science, and nanotoxicology. His laboratory focuses on pulmonary surfactant function, interfacial phenomena, and environmental health impacts of nanoparticles. Key affiliations include the Department of Mechanical Engineering and collaborations with pediatric medicine departments.
Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto. Research interests span atomic force microscopy, biomembrane dynamics, colloid science, and environmental applications of surface chemistry. Notable contributions include studies on microplastic toxicity to lung surfactants, e-cigarette additive effects, and SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions with biological membranes.
Research highlights include over 100 peer-reviewed publications, including foundational work on surfactant monolayer phase transitions and nanoparticle-biomembrane interactions. His work bridges engineering and medicine, addressing critical issues like respiratory surfactant dysfunction in diseases and environmental pollutants' health impacts.
- Awards: NSF CAREER Award (2013), Norman Edmund Inspiration Award (2020)
- Teaching: Courses in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and surface phenomena
- Grants: Active funding from NSF and NIH for studies on nanomaterial toxicity and surfactant biophysics
Laboratory activities include advanced surface characterization techniques (atomic force microscopy, drop shape analysis) and collaborations with medical institutions for translational research on lung surfactant therapies.
