Researchers in Yongjie Jessica Zhang’s lab develop novel algorithms on biomodeling at molecular, cellular, tissue and organ scales, and explore applications in various application fields. The group is mainly focused on applications in biomedical fields, but is also working on projects in other fields including mechanical engineering, materials science, and electrical engineering.
George Tallman Ladd and Florence Barrett Ladd Professor of Mechanical Engineering
The Computational Bio-Modeling Lab's research includes computational geometry (especially mesh generation), computer graphics, visualization, finite element method, isogeometric analysis and their applications in computational biomedicine, computational biology, and engineering. We are mainly focusing on applications in biomedical fields, but we are also working on projects in mechanical engineering, materials science, electrical engineering, civil engineering, architecture, geological engineering, and petroleum engineering.
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This research focuses on developing novel, robust, automatic, and accurate techniques to construct high-fidelity geometric models and quality finite element meshes directly from volumetric imaging data for arbitrarily complicated topology and geometry.
Through computer design software we integrate geometry and analysis by constructing volumetric spline parameterization and use them in isogeometric analysis directly.
We develop automatic and robust algorithms and software tools for high-fidelity (correct topology and accurate geometry) geometric modeling and mesh generation for polycrystalline materials. This work supports the understanding, control, and optimization of grain boundary dominated materials properties: GBCD/GBED distribution and mechanics characterization.
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| Course | Course Name | Location | Units | Semester Offered |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24-311 | Numerical Methods | Pittsburgh | 12 | Spring |
For a list of Jessica Zhang’s publications, please see the following:
ASME
MechE’s Jessica Zhang was recently selected to receive the 2025 ASME Van C. Mow Medal, which is bestowed upon an individual who has demonstrated meritorious contributions to the field of bioengineering through research, education, professional development, leadership in the development of the profession, mentorship to young bioengineers, and with service to the bioengineering community.
AWM and SIAM
MechE’s Jessica Zhang was recently awarded the prestigious 2025 AWM-SIAM Sonia Kovalevsky Lecture Prize, which is awarded annually by the Association for Women in Mathematics (AWM) and SIAM to highlight significant contributions of women to applied or computational mathematics. The lecture is normally given at the SIAM Annual Meeting.
CMU Engineering
To support the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative disease and advance biohybrid robots, Jessica Zhang and Victoria Webster-Wood will lead a project to develop computational tools to predict neuron growth and transport regulation.
MechE’s Jessica Zhang recently delivered keynote lectures to present her latest research in two workshops in Europe.
IACM
MechE’s Jessica Zhang received the International Association for Computational Mechanics (IACM) Fellows Award during the the 16th World Congress on Computational Mechanics and 4th Pan American Congress on Computational Mechanic
SIAM
MechE’s Jessica Zhang was featured by SIAM in celebrating Women’s History Month, for her contributions to the applied mathematics and computational science field.
ASME IMECE
MechE’s Jessica Zhang presented at the ASME IMECE: CONCAM Distinguished Lectures on Computational Mechanics, where she discussed her research on modeling traffic jam and growth process of neurons using isogeomtric analysis and physics-informed neural network.
IMACS World Congress
MechE’s Jessica Zhang delivered a virtual keynote at the 21st International Association for Mathematics and Computers in Simulation (IMACS) World Congress conference.
CMU Engineering
Predicting neuron cell growth just got a little bit easier, thanks to CMU researchers.
Biomechanics Workshop of Program Uncertainty Quantification and Stochastic Modeling of Materials on Mathematical Mechanical Biology
MechE’s Jessica Zhang spoke at Biomechanics Workshop of Program Uncertainty Quantification and Stochastic Modeling of Materials on Mathematical Mechanical Biology: Old School and New School, Methods and Applications at Isaac Newton Institute for Mathematical Sciences, Cambridge, UK on July 31 - August 4.
IAMBE
MechE’s Jessica Zhang has been elected to the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineers (IAMBE), class of 2023. IAMBE is made up of fellows who are recognized for their outstanding contributions to the profession of medical and biological engineering.
AIMBE
MechE’s Jessica Zhang has been elected chair-elect of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE)’s College of Fellows.
