Until August 2017, Guigen Zhang served as professor and associate chair of the Department of Bioengineering at Clemson University. When considering making the move to Lexington, Zhang says he noted not only the culture, but also the collaborative opportunities uniquely available at UK.

“UK has the whole package—Colleges of Engineering, Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy, Health Sciences, Public Health, Nursing, Design, Fine Arts, Communication, Business, Arts and Sciences, Law, Education, Social Work, Diplomacy and International Commerce, and Agriculture on a single campus. Why does this matter? It matters because it provides a transdisciplinary environment that is crucial if we are going to advance science and technology and promote economic growth in a timely and socially relevant way.”

Zhang’s insistence upon expanding one’s horizon rather than narrowing into increasing specialization exemplifies what he calls “integrative engineering.” Last year, he published “Introduction to Integrative Engineering” with CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. It is this new way of thinking that Zhang hopes to communicate to current and future biomedical engineering students—a comprehensive vision that not only informs, but also inspires.

“It is said, ‘Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire,’” says Zhang. “I am certain we will continue to light an intellectual fire in students and trainees as we mentor them to recognize and reach for their full potential.” 

Research Interests:

Soft/Hard-Tissue Biomechanics

Composite and Metallic Biomaterials

Micro/Nano-Fluidics and Biosensors

Transport of Biological Species

Multiphysics Computational Modeling