BioE Dissertation Announcement and Student Spotlight: Decheng Hou
Article written by Rida M., Bioengineering undergraduate student and student office worker in the Department of Bioengineering.
Decheng Hou’s journey to Lehigh University began with his fascination for engineering and its applications in biology. Hou explains, "I [knew] Lehigh [had] a good reputation in engineering during my undergraduate studies in China. Also, the campus is very beautiful. I really enjoyed it during my first visit.” Although his undergraduate and master’s studies were in mechanical engineering, Hou’s research consistently intersected with biomechanics, biomaterials, and biology. This interdisciplinary experience naturally led him to pursue a PhD in Bioengineering at Lehigh University under the mentorship of Professor Xiaohui Frank Zhang.
Working under Professor Zhang’s guidance, Hou has been actively involved in understanding protein interactions from a biomechanical perspective and tackling challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic. He believes that bioengineering offers the perfect blend of engineering expertise and biological education, enabling him to apply his skills to real-world research problems. He says, "I believed bioengineering could be a promising major that could not only provide me with extensive education on the biological aspect but also could offer chances to practice my expertise in engineering.”
Hou’s experiences at Lehigh have been enriched by meaningful interactions with faculty and peers. He fondly recalls how BioE graduate students stayed connected through online seminars during the pandemic and how they celebrated the partial relief of restrictions at Professor Susan Perry’s annual party. He expresses deep appreciation for Professor Perry’s dedication to the BioE department and the efforts of graduate student leaders who kept the community strong. Additionally, Hou cherishes his first Biophysics Society conference trip to San Francisco with his labmate, Matthew Ziarnik. Despite a demanding meeting schedule, the trip was a valuable opportunity to network and expand his knowledge.
Looking to the future, Hou hopes to continue research work in industry, transforming his research findings into practical products that address real-world challenges. He believes that earning a BioE PhD will provide him with the qualifications needed to excel as a researcher in the industry without career limitations. Additionally, Hou offers a thoughtful piece of wisdom for students, "Homo minister et interpres naturae. Nature is an encyclopedia. Doing research is to interpret, and engineering is to serve. We should respect the facts and interpret data cautiously, and transfer our findings into practical applications humbly."
You are invited to attend Decheng's upcoming PhD Dissertation Defense:
"Unraveling the Biophysical Mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2—Receptor Interactions for Viral Docking"
Day and Date: Friday, April 11, 2025
Time: 10:00 - 11:00 AM
Location: Via Zoom. Contact the BioE Department for the zoom link
Presented in Candidacy for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Bioengineering
PhD Advisor: Dr. Frank Zhang (co-advised by Dr. Wonpil Im)
This event is free and open to the public. Please contact the Department of Bioengineering (inbioe@lehigh.edu) with any questions or comments.