Research Interests
The Zhang Lab focuses on the molecular mechanisms and intervention of mitochondrial dysfunction in heart failure and neurodegenerative diseases. Mitochondria are the power plants in the cells for ATP production. Dr. Zhang's lab research emphasizes the mitochondrial proton leak and dynamics in 1) heart failure in several scenarios, such as aging, myocardial infarction, hypertension, obesity, and diabetes; 2) Alzheimer's disease and related dementia; 3) chemotherapy drug doxorubicin-induced cardiovascular dysfunction.
We are interested in screening drugs that target mitochondria to protect the heart and neuron diseases.
Memberships
- American Heart Association & American Stroke Association (AHA)
- Academy of Cardiovascular Research Excellence (ACRE)
- Gerontological Society of America (GSA)
- American Aging Association
- American Biophysics Society
- Diabetes Care/Diabetes/Clinical Diabetes and Diabetes Member
- American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET)
Honors and Awards
- Outstanding Young Researcher Award; Academy of Cardiovascular Research Excellence (ACRE) Symposium; 2015
- New Investigator Travel Award; BCVS American Heart Association (AHA); 2015
- Excellence in Research Award; 9th Annual Academic Evening, University of Washington; 2016
- Junior Faculty Travel Award; AGE 48th Annual Meeting, American Aging Association; 2019
- AHA Career Development Award; American Heart Association (AHA); 2019
- Training Course Award; NIA Summer Training Course in Experimental Aging Research; 2021
- Travel Award; MDPI Award for ASPET 2024 meeting; 2024