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Meet Sai Zhou

Tell us a bit about your background:

I am originally from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. I completed my undergraduate studies in Materials Science and Engineering at Central South University. During my undergraduate years, I developed a strong interest in life sciences, which gradually shifted my research focus from traditional materials processing to biomaterials. Motivated by a deep desire to further understand and explore the fields of life sciences and biomedical engineering, I chose to pursue further studies at the UC, San Diego.

What are you studying/researching?

During my PhD studies at UC San Diego, I worked in Professor Sheng Xu's lab, focusing on developing wearable ultrasound devices for the monitoring and management of cardiovascular diseases. In one of my projects, I developed a groundbreaking wearable ultrasound device capable of providing 3D imaging of the brain. This device allows for continuous and comprehensive assessment of cerebral hemodynamics, significantly improving the detection and management of cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke and vasospasm. This project has been recently published in Nature and reported worldwide.

 Tell me a little bit about your campus involvement at UC San Diego. 

I've been actively involved with the Institute for the Global Entrepreneur (IGE) and the Sullivan Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. IGE has played a pivotal role in my professional development, especially in mentoring me as I built my startup. IGE provided invaluable resources and connections that have significantly shaped my entrepreneurial journey. I've participated in numerous events geared towards startups. 

Although I live off-campus, I come to campus almost every day. My favorite activities involve attending networking events for entrepreneurs, which offer fantastic opportunities to meet talented and like-minded individuals. In the wider San Diego area, my favorite activity is hiking. The region's diverse landscapes and scenic trails provide a perfect escape to nature and a chance to recharge away from academic and professional responsibilities.

Why UC San Diego?

I chose UC San Diego primarily due to its outstanding reputation in bioengineering and biomedical engineering. The university is renowned for its cutting-edge research opportunities, which aligned perfectly with my interest in developing medical technologies. Additionally, UC San Diego offers extensive resources for MedTech startups, providing support through mentorship, funding opportunities, and connections within the industry.

Have you been awarded any fellowships or grants during graduate school? If so, which ones?

  1. National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (Grant)
  2. MATS Dissertation Fellowship
  3. Catalyst Life Science Fund (Award)
  4. Shah Family Entrepreneurial Fellowship