James Lai

I am trained as an engineer with emphasis in the development of bioprocessing technologies for enabling clinical diagnostic assays as well as life science research, and with over 10 years of leadership experience in interdisciplinary research in the academic and clinical settings. My research interests include cancer biology, global health, and nanomaterials. I have a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, with specific training and expertise in magnetic nanoparticle synthesis and characterization (e.g., surface chemistry, magnetic properties, etc.). During my postdoctoral training I developed highly efficient and rapid biomolecule separation technologies by utilizing stimuli-responsive polymers.

Physicians are relying on rapid and informative clinical diagnostic tests to make proper medical decision and to provide timely treatment. One of my research focuses is the development of molecular reagents for rapid, simple, and highly efficient biomolecule separation to improve diagnostic assays’ sensitivity, specificity, speed, and multiplexing capability. My group has been developing new stimuli-responsive reagent systems such as nanoparticles and protein conjugates with various stimuli to improve existing analytical technologies for diagnostic applications, including infectious diseases and cancer biomarker assays.

Biomedical research is intrinsically multidisciplinary in nature, requiring contributions from experts in various fields. I have served as Principal Investigator or co-Investigator on several research grants, including NIH, Coulter Foundation, Institute of Translational Health Sciences, etc., to collaborate with clinicians to develop assays for HIV infection, neurodegenerative diseases, and tuberculosis. I have also work closely with medical professionals, and entrepreneurs to pursue opportunities for technology transfer and commercialization.

Education and Training

Experience/Positions

2022 - Present

Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (Taiwan Tech)

2015 - 2022

Research Associate Professor, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington

2020 - Present

Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University

2017 - 2022

Visiting Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and Engineering (or Department of Chemical Engineering), National Taiwan University of Science and Technology

2009 - 2015

Research Assistant Professor, Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington

Awards/Honors

2020

Design by Biomedical Undergraduate Teams (DEBUT) 2nd Prize, Faculty Advisor, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering/VentureWell

2017

Leaders in Future Trends, Ministry of Science and Technology (Taiwan)

2004

Ticona Award, New York University - Tandon School of Engineering