Describe your background
I completed my B.S./M.S. degrees at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, with a dual focus in Cellular & Molecular Biology and Biomedical Engineering. My early research experiences in the Allen Liu Lab introduced me to mechanobiology, where I studied how compression forces influence YAP translocation in cancer cells and osteoblasts, including under simulated microgravity conditions. These foundational experiences shaped my interest in the interplay between mechanical forces and cellular behavior, particularly in the context of disease progression and therapeutic design.
Describe your area of research and/or your area of specialty
My research focuses on leveraging mechanical cues in the tumor microenvironment to design and optimize cell-based immunotherapies for solid tumors. Specifically, I investigate how cancer cell mechanostates—such as stiffness or deformability—affect immune evasion and T cell cytotoxicity. Using this understanding, I engineer ultrasound-responsive gene circuits and CAR-T cells that can sense and respond to mechanical or acoustic stimuli, offering a precision-based approach to overcome the immunosuppressive microenvironment.
Have you received any outstanding mentorship or guidance during your time in the program that made an impact on your research and/or the trajectory of your career?
I’ve been fortunate to receive tremendous mentorship from my advisor, Dr. Peter Yingxiao Wang, whose guidance helped me navigate both scientific challenges and professional decisions. His support enabled me to pursue high-risk, high-reward projects at the interface of mechanobiology and immunotherapy. I'd also been fortunate to have my co-mentor Dr. Shu Chien who has taught me how to think and work meticulously as a scientist. I also benefited from informal mentorships across the department, especially during collaborations and proposal development, which helped me think more strategically about translational research and long-term career planning.
What has been your favorite part about your graduate experience in the program?
My favorite part has been the freedom to pursue interdisciplinary ideas and the collaborative environment that supports them. Whether engineering ultrasound-sensitive CAR-T cells or exploring mechano-sensing in the tumor microenvironment, I had access to world-class resources, enthusiastic collaborators, and a culture that encourages bold thinking. UCSD’s environment allowed me to develop as both a scientist and an innovator.
Any thoughts or advice you'd like to share with prospective graduate students?
Stay open-minded and fearless when exploring ideas that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries. Some of the most exciting discoveries come from unexpected intersections. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help—UCSD’s community is full of generous mentors and peers. Finally, be patient with yourself; growth in grad school is non-linear and often shaped by challenges that become the most valuable parts of your journey.