People in Bioengineering
Yingxiao Wang
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Assistant Professor
Bioengineering
4261 Beckman Institute, MC-251
405 N. Mathews
Urbana, Illinois 61801
(217) 333-6727
Ph.D in Bioengineering, University of California, San Diego, 2002
Research Statement:
Research Interests: Live Cell Imaging and BioNanotechnology
The functions of signaling molecules are largely dependent on their dynamics and subcellular localization. With the recent development of functional mutants of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and advancement of fluorescence microscope, it has become possible to monitor and manipulate target proteins in live cells. Interdisciplinary approaches involving live cell imaging, bio-nanotechnology, and laser-tweezers will be integrated to elucidate the molecular mechanisms in mechano-biology and cell motility, and to develop accurate imaging assays for early cancer detection. The specific research interests in my laboratory include: (1) To develop genetically-encoded reporters based on fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) to visualize and quantify signaling transduction in live cells with high tempo-spatial resolution; (2) To visualize multiple signaling events simultaneously in live cells with different fluorescence probes and elucidate the molecular hierarchy involved in cellular signaling transduction; (3) To integrating bio-nanotechnology, laser-tweezers, and live-cell imaging technologies to manipulate the micro-environment and visualize the regulatory signaling cascades in live cell motility and migration; (4) To detect early cancer development in biopsy samples with FRET-based reporters.
Teaching Statement:
I have developed two core courses for the Department of Bioengineering, one for undergraduate students (BioE 398 Introductory Biomechanics) and another one for graduate students (BioE 598 Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering). BioE 398 Introductory Biomechanics covers an introduction to the structure and mechanics of biological systems. Application of Newtonian mechanics, statics, dynamics, and continuum mechanics to bone, soft tissues, and cells is emphasized.
BioE 598 Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering is to introduce the cutting-edge engineering technologies applied in the molecular and cellular biology research, i.e. how can the properties of genes, molecules, and cells be monitored, measured, manipulated, and modeled to advance our understanding of the complex biological system. Special emphasis is also be placed on how cells interact with each other and external environment to shed light on the molecular mechanisms governing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
My teaching interest lies on the introduction of interdisciplinary and cutting-edge engineering advancements and applications in solving biomedical problems.
Research Interests:
- Live Cell Imaging, Fluorescence, NanoBiotechnology, Biophotonics, Mechanobiology
Undergraduate Research Opportunities:
The specific research interests in my laboratory include: (1) To develop genetically-encoded reporters based on fluorescent resonance energy transfer (FRET) to visualize and quantify signaling transduction in live cells with high tempo-spatial resolution; (2) To visualize multiple signaling events simultaneously in live cells with different fluorescence probes and elucidate the molecular hierarchy involved in cellular signaling transduction; (3) To integrating bio-nanotechnology, laser-tweezers, and live-cell imaging technologies to manipulate the micro-environment and visualize the regulatory signaling cascades in live cell motility and migration; (4) To detect early cancer development in biopsy samples with FRET-based reporters.
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