Three new faculty members joining the BME department for Fall 2025
ճBiomedical Engineering Program (BME) at CU Boulder is welcoming three new faculty members this fall semester.
From responsive biomaterials and pedagogical research to quantum imaging, these talented scientists and engineers bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our teaching and research missions. Please join us in welcoming them to our college and campus community!
Jun Li
Assistant Professor
Li received a Bachelor of Engineering from China’s Zhejiang University in 2016. He then earned a PhD in materials science and engineering in 2021 from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and completed his postdoctoral training in the Department of Chemistry at Northwestern University. He is joining CU Boulder as an assistant professor in bothmechanical engineeringand biomedical engineering.
Li’s research integrates responsive biomaterials and advanced manufacturing into wearable and implantable devices that have the power to tackle a wide range of challenges in both healthcare and sustainability. In many cases, these devices can mechanically mimic tissues and organs to enable biological functions and also incorporate electronic capabilities that provide healthcare solutions, including sensing and electro-stimulation.
Li says the aging global population is driving an urgent need for advanced healthcare materials and devices that can restore body function, expand life longevity and improve the overall quality of life. His research developing novel, responsive biomaterials and devices can provide solutions to address those challenges.
He also says his research fits right into the spirit of community at CU Boulder. “I am excited about the science, technology and opportunity ahead at this campus surrounded by the beautiful mountains to help shape a better future,” Li said. “Sko Buffs!”
James Long
Assistant Teaching Professor
Long received a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Rice University in 2017. He then received both a master’s degree and PhD in biomedical engineering from Duke University in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Long served as teaching faculty at Rice University after earning his doctorate degrees and now finds himself as an assistant teaching professor at CU Boulder.
Throughout his career, Long has developed courses and learning modules in various biomedical engineering areas, including biostatistics, instrumentation and transport phenomena.He has collaborated with other teaching faculty across the country on several efforts to advance biomedical engineering education, from investigating the role of problem-based learning in student self-efficacy to creating a national peer mentorship program to help faculty form inter-institutional connections.
Long’s pedagogical research focuses on teaching interventions to improve students’ professional communication skills and alternative grading strategies to improve student motivation.He believes a complete educationon the technical and ethical implications of biomedical science and engineering, is the key to training the next generation of engineers to tackle the complex problems of modern healthcare.
“I’m excited to help the BME program grow and adapt to the ever-changing needs of industry and modern healthcare,” he said.”
Yide Zhang
Assistant Professor
Zhang earned his PhD in electrical engineering at the University of Notre Dame, where he advanced multiphoton fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and super-resolution microscopy. As a postdoctoral scholar at Caltech, he expanded his research to include photoacoustic imaging, quantum imaging, and ultrafast imaging technologies. His work focuses on developing innovative optical imaging techniques that surpass current limits in speed, accuracy, and accessibility, with applications ranging from real-time fluorescence imaging to noninvasive hemodynamics and quantum-enhanced imaging.
Zhang's research aims to pioneer optical imaging technologies that exceed current limitations in speed, accuracy, and accessibility, with a strong focus on translational applications. His interests span multiple areas, including fluorescence lifetime imaging, super-resolution microscopy, photoacoustic imaging, and quantum imaging. A key aspect of his work is developing innovative solutions to enable high-quality, real-time imaging of biological structures and processes, which can advance both fundamental science and clinical applications.
“I am particularly excited about the interdisciplinary environment fostered by the Engineering Center at CU Boulder, where all the engineering departments are physically connected within a single-building complex,” Zhang said. “This unique setup greatly facilitates collaborations across disciplines and enables researchers and students to share ideas and resources more easily. I look forward to contributing to this vibrant research community and engaging with students from diverse backgrounds.”