Dr. Hongbo Zhao

Assistant Professor

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Biography

Hongbo Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at the University of California, San Diego. His research lies at the intersection of biophysics, soft matter, active matter, and physical chemistry with an emphasis on applied mathematics. His aim is to uncover new fundamental principles and emergent phenomena while applying methodologies from soft living matter to challenge traditional boundaries. Current research directions include biological phase separation, phase transitions, and the physics of nonequilibrium active matter. He is particularly interested in the role of biomolecular condensates in organizing cellular components and their interactions during nonequilibrium activities in cells. By leveraging statistical mechanics and data-driven approaches, he seeks to discover and understand the emergent phenomena of active matter.

Research Interests

Experience

Assistant Professor

2024-09-01 — Present

Department of Physics, UCSD • La Jolla, CA

Assistant Professor in Department of Physics working on biophysics and soft matter.

Distinguished Postdoctoral Fellow

2021-09-01 — 2024-08-01

Princeton Bioengineering Initiative • Princeton, NJ

Conducted research focused on soft matter and active matter.

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).