Hao Lab
-EST. 2024-
Exploring, Discovering, Revolutionizing — Next-Gen Therapeutics
Principal Investigator
Prof. Dake Hao, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Surgery
University of California, Davis
Aggie Square, Suite 3434, 4500 2nd Ave. Sacramento CA 95817
Dr. Dake Hao is an Assistant Professor in Department of Surgery at University of California, Davis. He is also a Principal Investigator (PI) at Shriners Children's, Northern California. Dr. Hao received his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from Shandong University/University of California, Davis, and continued his training as a Postdoctoral Fellow at University of California, Davis. He has been a faculty member and launched his independent lab at University of California, Davis since 07/2024.
Dr. Hao's research focuses on exploring mechanisms/pathological processes of diseases and the interplays between cells and their extracellular environment, while developing cutting-edge tissue engineering platforms and next-generation biomedical products for regenerative medicine and clinical therapies. He is dedicated to integrating scientific innovation with clinical therapeutic efficacy to advance human health - from Bench to Bedside. The Hao Lab 1) develops microenvironment-responsive biomaterials and medical devices for clinical applications; 2) establishes biomimetic dynamic delivery platforms of therapeutics agents for disease treatment; 3) identifies biomolecules for tissue engineering and drug delivery/development; 4) engineers cells and EVs for regenerative medicine.
Dr. Hao currently serves as the PI on an NIH/NIAMS R01 grant, an American Heart Association (AHA) Transformational Project Award, and a Shriners Children's grant.
Honors and Awards
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Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES)-CMBE Rising Star Faculty Award, 2026
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International Fetal Medicine & Surgery Society (IFMSS) Research Award, 2025
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American Heart Association (AHA) Transformational Project Award, 2024
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University of California Davis Postdoctoral Research Excellence Award, 2022
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Shriners Children's Best Presentation Award, 2020
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University of California Davis Health Deans’ Team Award for Excellence in Research, 2019
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Shriners Children's Postdoctoral Fellowship Award, 2019
Ya-Ping Shiau
Postdoctoral Researcher
yshiau@health.ucdavis.edu
Ya-Ping received her Ph.D. in Veterinary Medicine from National Taiwan University. Currently she is developing a conductive biomaterial platform for the treatment of ischemia brain injury, integrating materials science, immunology, and neurobiology to establish translational, biomaterial-based therapeutic strategies. Outside the lab, she enjoys learning languages through watching dramas while spending time with her pet rabbits.
Bofeng Pan
Postdoctoral Fellow | CIRM Cell and Gene Therapy 2.0 Fellow
bfpan@health.ucdavis.edu
Bofeng received his Ph.D. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from University of California, Davis. Currently his project focuses on evolving biomaterial mechanical properties to control cellular mechanotransduction for bone regeneration. Outside the lab, he enjoys playing basketball, reading literature and history, and listening to music.
Jay Tong
PhD Student | Biomedical Engineering
jaytong@ucdavis.edu
Jay earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. His research focuses on developing electroactive biomaterials and medical devices for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. During his free time, he enjoys drawing.
Aydin Anand
Master Student | Biomedical Engineering
aydanand@ucdavis.edu
Aydin earned her B.S. in in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior from the University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on developing electroactive biomaterials and medical devices for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. During his free time, he enjoys drawing.
Ethan Nabeta
Staff Research Associate
enabeta@health.ucdavis.edu
Ethan earned his M.A. in Biological Science from California State University, Sacramento. His research focuses on exploring cell-matrix interaction and developing biomaterials/medical devices for extracellular vesicle production. Outside of the lab, he enjoys a handful of activities including discussing movies and video games and spending time at the beach, in the forest, or on road trips with family and friends.
Callen Moon
Medical Student
cdmoon@health.ucdavis.edu
Callen earned his B.S in Pre-Health Sciences from Fresno Pacific University. He is a 2nd-year medical student. His research interests include innovations in cardiovascular care and cardiac devices, as well as rural cardiovascular health disparities. In his free time, he is an avid cyclist, enjoy playing soccer, and building models.
Adam Maalal
Undergraduate Researcher
amaalal@ucdavis.edu
Adam is a 4th-year undergraduate student in Biomedical Engineering at University of California, Davis. He is engineering organoids and spheroids for disease treatment. Outside the lab, he enjoys drawing, running my art shop, and exploring anything that combines creativity and science!
Terilyn Huang
Undergraduate Researcher
tehuang@ucdavis.edu
Terilyn is a 3nd-year undergraduate student in Biomedical Engineering at University of California, Davis. Her research focuses on integrin-mediated cell-matrix interaction. In her free time, she plays volleyball, cook, and spend quality time with friends. She is part of her school's club volleyball team, where she travel and compete with other collegiate club teams from across the country.
Jingtian Liu
Undergraduate Researcher
ejtliu@ucdavis.edu
Jingtian is a 2nd-year undergraduate student in Electrical Engineering at University of California, Davis. He is engineering biomaterils to regulate spheroid behavior. Outside of academics, he enjoys traveling, playing badminton, and pickleball. He loves exploring new places and cultures, as well as staying active through sports.
Asia Truong
Undergraduate Researcher
tlatruong@ucdavis.edu
Asia is a 4th-year undergraduate student in Biological Sciences at University of California, Davis. He is developing stimuli‐responsive biomaterials tissue engineering. Outside the lab, he enjoys drawing, running my art shop, and exploring anything that combines creativity and science!
