Dr. Hongbo Zhao

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Hongbo Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research focuses on computational soft living matter, biomolecular condensates, and data-driven discovery. He aims to uncover new fundamental principles and emergent phenomena in soft matter science by applying methodologies from biophysics and applied mathematics. Dr. Zhao completed his Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2021, followed by a postdoctoral position at Princeton University from 2021 to 2024. His work is interdisciplinary, bridging theoretical biophysics and materials science. He has received the Princeton Bioengineering Initiative Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellowship in 2021 for his innovative contributions to the field.

Research Interests

Computational Soft Living Matter Biomolecular Condensates Data-Driven Discovery Biophysics Soft Matter Active Matter Physical Chemistry Applied Mathematics

Experience

Assistant Professor

2024-01-01 — Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Department of Physics.

Postdoctoral Research Associate

2021-01-01 — 2024-01-01

Princeton University • Princeton, NJ

Conducted postdoctoral research in the field of biophysics.

Awards

#

Princeton Bioengineering Initiative – Innovators (PBI2)

2021-01-01

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).