Dr. Zhaozheng Hou

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. Leverages a comprehensive background spanning mathematics, physics, and clinical medicine to develop high-impact solutions, particularly in medical diagnostics, drug discovery, and industrial safety. Proven leader in interdisciplinary projects, adept at translating complex scientific concepts into tangible, quantifiable 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 strategic initiatives for an AI-powered gas pipeline leak detection and analysis system, leveraging patented technology to achieve world-leading accuracy.

Highlights

Directed the development of an AI analysis system and intelligent monitoring station for underground gas pipe leaks, leveraging proprietary academic achievements.

Implemented patented technology to create the world's most accurate gas pipeline leak detection and analysis system, achieving cm-level locating results within seconds.

Participated in strategic development decisions and oversaw international collaborations, driving business growth and market expansion.

Secured 100% domestically produced software and hardware with complete independent intellectual property rights, enhancing market competitiveness.

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)

Bioengineering

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 Design

Grade: 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 Science

Physics

Grade: 3.3/4.0

Courses

Weak Measurements in Quantum Networks

Publications

RNAGAN: Train One and Get Four, Multipurpose Human RNA-Seq Analysis Tool with Enhanced Interpretability and Small Data Size Capability (First Author)

Published by

BioRxiv

Summary

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.

Software Copyright: Artificial Intelligence-Based Underground Gas Pipeline Leak Detection (AIUPL) System

Published by

China National Copyright Administration

Summary

Registered China Software Copyright No. 2025SR1952903 for the AIUPL System.

Tertiary lymphoid structure-related RNA indicator as metastasis risk factor in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (First Author)

Published by

Clinical and Translational Medicine (Q1, IF 8.0)

Summary

Developed a new Pareto-optimization solution for multi-centre study, applicable to other diseases, contributing to understanding metastasis risk factors.

Virus-human chromatin interactions reorganise 3D genome and hijack KDM5B for promoting metastasis in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (Joint First Author)

Published by

Nature Communications (Q1, IF 16.6)

Summary

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

Published by

21st International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies

Summary

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

Published by

US Patent Office

Summary

Filed US patent application No.63/595,157 (PCT/CN2024/128778) for a method undergoing commercialization by HKU.

China Patent: A leak detection system

Published by

China National Intellectual Property Administration

Summary

Secured China Patent No. 202311091637.1 for a leak detection system, leading to commercial products.

Software Copyright: Pipeline Leak Fast Detection Software

Published by

China National Copyright Administration

Summary

Registered China Software Copyright No. 2023SR078901 for Pipeline Leak Fast Detection Software.

China Patent: A sampling layout method for determining the location of pipeline gas leakage points

Published by

China National Intellectual Property Administration

Summary

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)

Published by

Processes (Q3, IF 3.0)

Summary

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)

Published by

Journal of Natural Gas Science and Engineering (Q1, IF 5.3)

Summary

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

Published by

China National Intellectual Property Administration

Summary

Co-inventor of China Patent No.201710465110.9, awarded the High-Tech Entrepreneurship Grant in Hangzhou.

China Patent: An Artificial Intelligence System Structure

Published by

China National Intellectual Property Administration

Summary

Secured China Patent No. 201610007922.4

Skills

Programming Languages

R, Python, C#, C++, JAVA, Arduino, Processing, MATLAB.

Software & Tools

R Studio, MATLAB, Sketchpad, Mathematica, MathCAD, LabVIEW, SPSS, Visual Studio, Balsamiq Wireframes, Mockplus, MIT App Inventor, Auto CAD, SolidWorks, ABAQUS, 3D Builder, 3ds Max, Photoshop CC, Apowersoft, LaTeX.

Wet-Lab Techniques

Biochemical Lab (P1 & P2), Sterile Operation (Class I/II laminar flow hoods), Microfluidics (design, manufacture, use), Digital Fluorescent Microscope (automated control, operation, data process), OD Measurement, Plate Reader, Q-PCR, Incubator, Laboratory Oven, Vacuum Autoclave, Oxygen Plasma Cleaner, Ultrasonic Cleaner, Lab Safety Management.

Project & Business Management

Team Leadership, Project Coordination, Schedule Management, International Trade Cooperation Negotiation, Remote Working, Strategic Planning, Research & Development Management, Intellectual Property Management, Grant Writing, Mentorship.

Data Science & AI/ML

Model-Based Optimization, Bioinformatics Analysis, Multi-omics Integrative Analysis, Generative Adversarial Networks (GAN), Optimal Experimental Design (OED), Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), Statistical Analysis, AI Modeling, Algorithm Design, Image-Based Abnormality Screening, Data Synthesis/Enrichment, Predictive Modeling.

Engineering & Physics

Mechanical Design, IoT, 3D Printing, Quantum Networks, Microfluidic Systems, First-Principle Modelling, Multi-Discipline Optimization.

Professional Affiliations

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

Awarded By

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