Mengying Zhang

I am a scientist and science communicator, with experience in nanotechnology-based medicine for brain disorders, science communication, bilingual writing (English&Chinese), multimedia management, and public speaking. I am a freshly minted PhD in Molecular Engineering and Sciences Program at the University of Washington. I recently became a postdoctoral scholar at Caltech studying adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene delivery to the primate and human brain.

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My PhD research looks at amazing tiny particles called quantum dots (QDs), how they behave in the developing brain, and how they can be used as potential imaging probes for diagnosis and therapeutic of pediatric brain disorders. My research can be found on Nanoscale Advances, where I talked about both QD design and the biological environment are affecting QD movements and their application in the brain.

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I am also actively involving in science communication. I am on the board of directors for Engage: The Science Speaker Series, a science communication program run by graduate students at the University of Washington. I gave public talk about science in Town Hall Talk, organized science communication workshops, manage Engage Instagram account and website. I was also the 2019-2020 secretary of Women in Chemical Engineering (WChE), the organization educate, empower, and advocate for women in chemical engineering.

 

In my spare time, I write in both English and Chinese about science, life, movies, and books. I can also be found hiking, reading, boxing, knitting, playing video games, or drinking bubble tea.