Learn more about  assistant professor Ye Zhang, why she loves teaching, Virginia Tech, and advice for students interested in biomedical engineering.

Why Virginia Tech? What do you love about VT?

Virginia Tech stood out to me for its strong engineering foundation and vibrant research community. On top of that, I was really excited to learn about BME’s vision to improve human health and the communities through a unique intersection of engineering, mechanics, and science. This interdisciplinary approach is exactly what I want for my research, and it feels like a natural home for the questions I’m most excited to tackle.

I love the VT community’s innovation, collaboration, and genuine commitment to inclusion. I’ve heard a lot about the Hokie spirit and the college sports culture, and I’m looking forward to experiencing that energy.

Outside of work, the Shenandoah region and Blue Mountain Parkway nearby are truly beautiful, and I’m excited to explore them.

What is your favorite thing about being a professor/faculty member?

My favorite part of being a professor is the combination of discovery and mentorship. First, I love being able to pursue independent research, such as asking big questions in biomedical engineering, exploring new ideas, and collaborating with colleagues across disciplines to improve human health and ultimately serve our communities.

Second, I really enjoy teaching and mentoring students who are excited about research. It’s rewarding to help trainees learn how to ask good questions, build strong problem-solving and research skills, and grow the confidence to develop their own career paths. Seeing students develop into independent thinkers is one of the most meaningful parts of the job.

What originally got you interested in your teaching/work and/or research?

What originally got my interest in research was my first time working in a lab during the summer of my junior year in college. I was given a small but exciting project, which was optimizing a nucleic acid assay to quantify DNA methylation in cancer cells. It was the first time I experienced the full cycle of research, from asking questions to troubleshooting and iterating until things worked. I found that process genuinely fun. That summer also gave me a milestone: I created and presented my first research poster.

Seeing how a series of experiments could come together into a clear story and shareable results really motivated me, and it set me on the path toward a research career.

What advice do you have for students looking to join the Biomedical Engineering  field?

My biggest advice is to follow your curiosity because I always believe that genuine interest is the best motivation. Take some time to explore different topics, talk with faculties and students, and choose projects that you feel excited to think about even when they get challenging.