PhD, Bioengineering | Interdisciplinary Research and Commercialization Specialist
Beijing / Hong Kong, China.
About
Highly accomplished Bioengineering PhD with extensive expertise in AI/ML, model-based analysis and optimization, and wet-lab experiment automation, driving innovation from theoretical research to commercial products. Proven commercialization leader who developed the Artificial Intelligence-Based Underground Gas Pipeline Leak Detection (AIUPL) system to achieve world-highest real-practice locating accuracy at the 1–2 meter level, compared with 20–40 meters for the next-best global products. Leverages a comprehensive background spanning mathematics, physics, and clinical medicine to deliver high-impact solutions in medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and industrial safety, and to translate complex science into measurable outcomes and intellectual property.
Work
University of Hong Kong
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Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Clinical Oncology
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Summary
Leads multi-omics integrative analysis and AI product development for personalized cancer treatment and clinical decision support systems.
Highlights
Developed a multi-omics integrative analysis system for classifying radiotherapy sensitivity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and aiding personalized treatment.
Established and applied mathematical models and software to address clinical diagnosis and treatment challenges, validating models with q-PCR on hospital clinical samples.
Secured funding and managed research projects (TCFS/HMRF), overseeing research group operations and providing guidance to PhD students.
Spearheaded the HMRF project as Principal Investigator, developing an AI product that achieves high performance with limited samples, protects privacy, and provides interpretable reasoning for medical knowledge.
Shenzhen Huayuan Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
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Advisor
Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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Summary
Provided expert technical support and bioinformatics analysis for drug research and development, guiding strategic R&D initiatives for long-non-coding gene targeted drugs.
Highlights
Delivered critical technical support for experimental drug research and development plans, enhancing project execution and data integrity.
Guided bioinformatics analysis, ensuring robust data interpretation for Huayuan Biotechnology's R&D efforts.
Offered strategic recommendations on the company's research and development direction, influencing key biotechnological decisions.
Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co.,ltd.
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Collaborative Researcher
Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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Summary
Conducted professional data analysis for bulk-sequencing to support the development of novel CAR-T therapy products for a Fortune Global 500 company.
Highlights
Performed professional data analysis for bulk-sequencing with small data sizes, supporting the advancement of new CAR-T therapy products.
Contributed to a Fortune Global 500 company's strategic initiatives in developing cutting-edge biotechnological solutions.
Ensured data integrity and analytical rigor, directly impacting the development pipeline for CAR-T therapies.
Beijing TigeNovi Technology Co. Ltd.
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Technical Director
Beijing, Beijing, China
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Summary
Led product development and commercialization of the Artificial Intelligence-Based Underground Gas Pipeline Leak Detection (AIUPL) system, delivering world-leading real-practice locating accuracy.
Highlights
Directed development of the AIUPL system and intelligent monitoring stations for underground gas pipeline leaks, leveraging proprietary academic achievements and patented methods.
Delivered world-highest real-practice locating accuracy at the 1–2 meter level, while the next-best products globally typically locate within only 20–40 meters.
Drove strategy and international collaboration to accelerate productization, market expansion, and business growth.
Built a 100% domestically produced software-hardware stack with fully independent intellectual property rights, strengthening competitiveness and deployment readiness.
University of Edinburgh
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Tutor / Demonstrator / Marker of Mechanical Engineering Design 2B
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Summary
Instructed Mechanical Engineering Design 2B, focusing on MATLAB programming and mechanical design principles, enhancing student understanding and practical skills.
Highlights
Delivered instruction in MATLAB programming and core mechanical design and optimization principles to engineering students.
Assessed student work, providing feedback to enhance understanding and application of complex engineering concepts.
Contributed to the academic development of future engineers through practical demonstrations and theoretical guidance.
Education
University of Edinburgh
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
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Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)BioengineeringGrade:
Courses
Optimisation of Microfluidic Experiments
Model Calibration of Synthetic Promoters
Automated Microfluidic Experiments for Model Calibration
Model-Based Optimal Experimental Design with Parameter Clustering
Automatic Experiment Abnormality Screening based on Convolutional Neural Network
University of Manchester
Manchester, England, UK
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Master of Science (MSc)Mechanical Engineering DesignGrade: Distinction
Courses
Ship Body Design Optimization of Double-Hulled Oil Tanker
Multi Discipline Optimization of Oil Tanker for Harsh Environment in Polar Region
Macquarie University
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Bachelor of Advanced SciencePhysicsGrade: 3.3/4.0
Courses
Weak Measurements in Quantum Networks
Publications
Foundation Model RNAGAN Enhances Medical Insight of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Metastasis
bioRxiv
RNAGAN (version 2.0, https://github.com/ZhaozhengHou-HKU/RNAGAN-2.0.git) is a published foundation model that analyzes single-cell and bulk-level RNA sequencing samples and enables multiple applications that enhance medical insights. Here we applied this model to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC) as in-context few-short format (i.e., the model was never trained with any NPC data). We conducted all four supported functions, which include sample stratification, vectorization, pseudo data generation, and marker identification. The results were then used for identifying metastatic NPC and to investigate mechanisms associated with NPC metastasis.
RNAGAN: Train One and Get Four, Multipurpose Human RNA-Seq Analysis Tool with Enhanced Interpretability and Small Data Size Capability (First Author)
BioRxiv
The structure of RNAGAN (generator and discriminator) enables four applications after one shared training procedure: 1. single-cell and bulk-level patient stratification or differential diagnosis; 2. analysis of the gene and pathway markers in a selected disease; 3. pseudo data generation when sample size is limited for downstream analysis; 4. vectorization with gene and pathway-level features learned from multiple data sets. RNGAN contributes to the efficient utilization of limited data for transcriptomic studies.
Tertiary lymphoid structure-related RNA indicator as metastasis risk factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (First Author)
Clinical and Translational Medicine (Q1, IF 8.0)
Developed a new Pareto-optimization solution for multi-centre study, applicable to other diseases, contributing to understanding metastasis risk factors.
Software Copyright: Artificial Intelligence-Based Underground Gas Pipeline Leak Detection (AIUPL) System
China National Copyright Administration
Registered China Software Copyright No. 2025SR1952903 for the AIUPL System.
Virus-human chromatin interactions reorganise 3D genome and hijack KDM5B for promoting metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (Joint First Author)
Nature Communications (Q1, IF 16.6)
Investigated and visualized bioinformatics data, with methods applicable to other diseases and mechanisms, advancing understanding of cancer metastasis.
Optimal Periodic Inspection Schedule for Multiple Natural Gas Pipelines to Minimize Cost and Methane Emissions
21st International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies
Xu, P., Song, Y., Zhan, S., Hou, Z., Hao, J., & Gu, X. (2024). Optimal Periodic Inspection Schedule for Multiple Natural Gas Pipelines to Minimize Cost and Methane Emissions. 21st International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, 4, 246-255.
US Patent Application: A method of multi-biomedical markers association for nasopharyngeal carcinoma metastases
US Patent Office
Filed US patent application No.63/595,157 (PCT/CN2024/128778) for a method undergoing commercialization by HKU.
Software Copyright: Pipeline Leak Fast Detection Software
China National Copyright Administration
Registered China Software Copyright No. 2023SR078901 for Pipeline Leak Fast Detection Software.
China Patent: A leak detection system
China National Intellectual Property Administration
Secured China Patent No. 202311091637.1 for a leak detection system, leading to commercial products.
China Patent: A sampling layout method for determining the location of pipeline gas leakage points
China National Intellectual Property Administration
Secured China Patent No. 202210626622.X for a sampling layout method, leading to commercial products.
Introducing Parameter Clustering to the OED Procedure for Model Calibration of a Synthetic Inducible Promoter in S. cerevisiae (First Author)
Processes (Q3, IF 3.0)
Improved algorithm for optimal experimental design, particularly for experimental designs for models with multiple parameters.
Leakage locating and sampling optimization of small-rate leakage on medium-and-low-pressure unground natural gas pipelines (First Author)
Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering (Q1, IF 5.3)
Successfully applied first-principle modelling, leading to the world's most accurate leakage locating product in the market 4 years later.
China Patent: A Design of Unpowered Exoskeleton
China National Intellectual Property Administration
Co-inventor of China Patent No.201710465110.9, awarded the High-Tech Entrepreneurship Grant in Hangzhou.
China Patent: An Artificial Intelligence System Structure
China National Intellectual Property Administration
Team Leadership, Project Coordination, Schedule Management, International Trade Cooperation Negotiation, Remote Working, Strategic Planning, Research & Development Management, Intellectual Property Management, Grant Writing, Mentorship.
American Association for Cancer Research (since 2025), Hong Kong Research Talent Hub for Innovation and Technology Fund projects (since 2022), International Doctorate Association (since 2022), IEEE Peer Reviewer (2023), ACS Peer Reviewer (2022).
Projects
An Online Gene-Expression-based Clinical Decision Support (CDS) Platform with Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) and its Application in Predicting De Novo Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)
Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF) (HK)
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Summary
HK$ 500,000.00
Principal Investigator
Ref. No.: 11221746
Highlights:
1. Web-app that brings academic achievements available for clinical application;
2. Customized Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) with multiple applications;
3. Purchasing and managing a high-performance GPU server for AI training.
Developed GAN, Train One and Get Four Functions:
1. General Purpose Diagnosis
2. Data Synthesis/Enrichment
3. Explanation Designed for Medical Professionals
4. Vector Dataset for Medical AI
Multi-Omics Integrative Analysis and Translational Study for Classification of Radiotherapy Sensitivity in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
TCFS
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Summary
HK$ 469,999.94
GHX/164/20GD
Electro-Mechanical Window Blind System with IoT
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Summary
Led a 4-person team at the University of Manchester to design and build an electro-mechanical window blind system with integrated IoT capabilities, from initial concept to physical prototype within 3 months.
Intelligent Safety Precaution and Analysis System for Natural Gas Regulators
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Summary
Participated as a researcher in a project sponsored by Beijing Municipal Commission and Beijing Gas Refco Group Ltd. to develop a multivariable real-time online intelligent safety precaution and analysis system for natural gas regulators.
Event-related EEG Desynchronization Method and its Application to EEG Signal Analysis (The Wings Project)
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Summary
Participated in a one-year corporate research project organized by the Chinese government, collaborating with Tsinghua National Laboratory for Information Science and Technology.
Interests
Music
Electronic Keyboard, Piano, Guqin, Hulusi, Bawu, Cello, Tin Whistle.
Sports
Fencing, Taekwondo.
Hobbies
High-order Rubik's Cubes, Bartending (hand-brewed coffee and cocktail mixing), Origami.
Languages
Chinese Mandarin
Native
English
Fluent
Japanese
Basic
Awards
Distinction
University of Manchester
Awarded for exceptional academic performance in MSc of Mechanical Engineering Design.
References
Prof. Wei Dai
Assistant Professor
University of Hong Kong, the Department of Clinical Oncology.
Connection to Dr. Zhaozheng Hou: Post-doctoral advisor
Official Email: weidai2@hku.hk
Prof. Yunfei Xia
Professor, Chief Physician, Doctoral Supervisor
San Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology
Connection to Dr. Zhaozheng Hou: Collaborative Investigator of joint research project (TCFS GHX/164/20GD)
Official Email: xiayf@sysucc.org.cn
Dr. Leonardo Rios-Solis
Lecturer / Associate Professor in Cell Engineering
University College London, Biochemical Engineering
Connection to Dr. Zhaozheng Hou: PhD program reviewer
leo.rios@ucl.ac.uk
Prof. Filippo Menolascina
Professor
Institute for Bioengineering, School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh
Connection to Dr. Zhaozheng Hou: PhD advisor
Official Email: filippo.menolascina@ed.ac.uk
Prof. Sergey Utyuzhnikov
Professor of Computational Mathematics
University of Manchester
Connection to Dr. Zhaozheng Hou: Master advisor
Official Email: S.Utyuzhnikov@manchester.ac.uk