Wu Zeng

China University Students’ Self-Improvement Star (featured by People’s Daily, China Youth Daily, etc.)
Selected for the 2025 CAST Young S&T Talent Development Program (PhD Track)

Born Sep 2002 · Hengyang, Hunan, China · Member of the Communist Party of China (CPC)
+86 180 0747 6572 · zeng-w22@mails.tsinghua.edu.cn

Education

• Sep 2022 – Present Direct PhD Student (in progress), Tsinghua University — Biomedical Engineering

  • Research interests: integrated microfluidic systems & point-of-care testing (POCT); nanopore sequencing & automated library preparation; organoid culture & drug screening

• Sep 2018 – Jul 2022 B.Eng., Dalian Maritime University (Project 211) — Marine Engineering (Seagoing Track)

  • Core coursework: mechanical design, fluid mechanics, marine automation, ship electrical equipment & systems, etc.

Research Experience

• Dec 2021 – Present School of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University

  • Advisor: Peng Liu (Research Professor; Party Committee Secretary)
  • Led development of an ultra-sensitive, multi-target integrated nucleic-acid testing system (with Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University) for emerging major infectious pathogens in pediatrics; achieved stable sensitivity of 10 copies/mL and on-demand parallel detection of 10–20 pathogens.
  • Led development of China’s first fully integrated forensic SNP rapid-testing instrument (with the Ministry of Public Security’s Institute of Forensic Science); reconstructs macroscopic phenotypic traits from trace biological evidence; DNA-to-≥200 SNP genotypes in <4 hours.
  • Led development of a fully automated portable NGS library-prep instrument (with PLA General Hospital & Astronaut Research and Training Center) for frontline and space-station environmental surveillance of X pathogens; sample-in to library-out with real-time reporting in 4–7 hours.
  • Led development of a fully integrated organoid generation, culture, and drug-sensitivity analysis system; >90% in-hospital organoid establishment success rate for puncture/biopsy samples; delivers drug-sensitivity results within ~1 week.

• Dec 2020 – Dec 2021 Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences

  • Advisors: Bingcheng Lin (Research Professor); Xianming Liu (Associate Research Professor)
  • Contributed to a digital microfluidic (DMF) “droplet CPU” platform; built spatially resolved antibody barcode arrays on the hydrophobic layer of DMF electrode plates for multiplex protein detection.

• Jun 2019 – Dec 2020 Microfluidic Chip Laboratory, Dalian Maritime University

  • Advisor: Zhijian Liu (Professor)
  • Led development of a portable rapid ballast-water testing device; applied microfluidic separation for sample pretreatment in ballast-water inspection.

Industry / Social Enterprise Experience

• Dec 2021 – Present Beijing Zijing Biotechnology Co., Ltd. — Technical Consultant
  • Co-developed a “Bioaerosol Novel Coronavirus Monitoring System,” supporting Beijing Winter Olympics operations and infection control in fever clinics; received the Outstanding Paper Award at the 2023 National Conference on Disinfection & Infection Control.
  • Led/participated in joint R&D with multiple partners on: (1) at-home nucleic-acid rapid-test POCT, (2) integrated respiratory multiplex testing, (3) automated nucleic-acid extraction workstation, and (4) an integrated extraction-to-library-prep system.
  • Delivered chip-technology interfacing, instrument/system design, temperature control, and fluorescence excitation/detection prototyping; coordinated cross-functional teams (instrument, chip, reagents, process); contributed to roadmap planning, standards setting, QC design, cost control, and manufacturing process optimization.

Skills

• Opto-mechatronic instrument design; system architecture, build/bring-up, debugging, and productization experience
• Microfluidic chip design (AutoCAD, SolidWorks) and fabrication (PDMS / PMMA / PC)
• Mechatronics control hardware (Altium Designer) and programming (LabVIEW)
• Molecular biology experiments (mNGS; tNGS; ELISA; qPCR/RT-qPCR; RPA; LAMP) and cell culture
• 3D modeling & rendering (3ds Max, Corona); video editing (Premiere Pro); illustration/design (Illustrator, Photoshop)
• Experience in research proposal writing and grant applications, with ongoing collaborations involving PLA General Hospital, the Ministry of Public Security’s Institute of Forensic Science, Chongqing Medical University, Southern Medical University, the Astronaut Research and Training Center, and Capital University of Physical Education and Sports.

Publications

Journal Articles (Published)

1. Wang, S., Liu, Z., Wu, S., Sun, H., Zeng, W., Wei, J., Fan, Z., Sui, Z., Liu, L., & Pan, X. (2021). Microalgae separation by inertia-enhanced pinched flow fractionation. Electrophoresis, 42(21-22), 2223–2229. (SCI Q2, IF=2.8)
2. Lin, B., Geng, Z., Chen, Y., Zeng, W., Li, B., Zhang, Y., & Liu, P. (2023). A fully integrated nucleic acid analysis system for multiplex detection of genetic polymorphisms related to folic acid metabolism. Lab on a Chip, 23(7), 1794–1803. (SCI Q1 IF=6.1)
3. Lin, B.*, Li, B.*, Zeng, W., Zhao, Y., Li, H., Gu, Y., & Liu, P. (2024). Needle-Plug/Piston-Based Modular Mesoscopic Design Paradigm Coupled With Microfluidic Device for Point-of-Care Pooled Testing. Advanced science, e2406076. (SCI Q1, IF=14.3)
4. Li, B.*, Lin, B.*, Wang, Y.*, Shi, Y.*, Zeng, W., Zhao, Y., Gu, Y., Liu, C., Gao, H., Cheng, H., Zheng, X., Xiang, G., Wang, G., & Liu, P. (2024). Multi-scenario surveillance of respiratory viruses in aerosols with sub-single-copy spatial resolution. Nature communications, 15(1), 8770. (SCI Q1, IF=16.6)
5. Li, B.*, Lin, B.*, Zeng, W.*, Gu, Y., Zhao, Y., & Liu, P. (2025). A fully integrated microfluidic cartridge for rapid and ultrasensitive nucleic acid detection from oropharyngeal swabs. Lab on a Chip, 25(3), 454–464. (SCI Q1, IF=6.1)
6. Zeng W.*, Li B.*, Chen Y.*, Lin, B., Gu, X, Liu, P. & Zhang, Y. (2025). A finger-actuated microfluidic system for point-of-care detection of SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A. Analytical Chemistry., 97(34), 18469–18478. (SCI Q1, IF=6.7)
7. Li B*, Gu X*, Zeng W*, Lin B, Liu X, Lim CT, Liu P. Ultrasensitive Nucleic Acid Testing: From Foundational Research to Clinical Translation. ACS Nano. 2025 Dec 2;19(47):40304-40344. (SCI Q1, IF=15.8)
8. Lin, B., Li, Z., Movendane, Y., Jin, X., Sun, X., Li, B., Zeng, W., Liu, P., & Lim, C. T. (2026). Bridging the Gap - Advancing Microfluidics From Laboratory to Point-of-Care. IEEE reviews in biomedical engineering, PP, 10.1109/RBME.2026.3688651. (SCI Q1, IF=12.0)

Manuscripts (Under Review / In Preparation)

1. Li B*, Zeng W*, et al. Spatial microfluidic matrix for hierarchical molecular diagnostics. (Nature, in peer review.)
2. Li B*, Zeng W*, et al. Ultrasensitive diagnosis of herpesviruses in cerebrospinal fluid via cascade nucleic acid purification within a fully integrated microfluidic system. (Biosensors & Bioelectronics, in peer review.)
3. Zeng W*, Li B*, Liu X, Gu X, et al. AI-driven integrated microfluidic cartridge for rapid multiplex pathogen detection. (Prepare for submission to Science Advances)
4. Zeng W*, Zhang B*, Gu X, et al. A Microfluidic Platform with Passive Sequential Fluid Release for Automated Multiplex RT-LAMP Detection of HIV and HCV. (Prepare for submission to Lab on a Chip)
5. Zeng W*, Peng Z*, Liu X, Gu X, et al. A Microfluidic Platform Based on Liquid-Level Difference for the Multiplexed Detection of Southeast Asian Viruses. (Prepare for submission to ACS Sensors)
6. Gu X*, Zeng W*, Liu X, et al. An Ultrasensitive Microfluidic Platform for Multiplexed Enterovirus Nucleic Acid Detection in Cerebrospinal Fluid (Prepare for submission to Analytical Chemistry)
7. 刘欣赫*, 曾武*, 张博闻, 顾轩宇, 刘鹏. 腕上实验室：面向运动健康的可穿戴体液分析. 生物化学与生物物理进展 (Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics). [In Chinese; submission stage not specified in the CV.]

Patent Applications and Granted Patents

1. Liu, P.; Zeng, W.; Lin, B.; Li, B.; Zhao, Y. Pathogen nucleic acid analysis device. CN115747031A, Mar 7, 2023. (Granted)
2. Liu, P.; Li, B.; Zeng, W.; Lin, B.; Zhao, Y. Aerosol sampling and loading device and method. CN115725394A, Mar 3, 2023.
3. Liu, P.; Li, B.; Lin, B.; Zeng, W.; Zhao, Y. Microfluidic cartridge and method for specific nucleic-acid detection from complex samples. CN115820412A, Mar 21, 2023. (Granted)
4. Liu, P.; Li, B.; Lin, B.; Zeng, W.; Zhao, Y. Automatic aerosol pathogen monitoring device, system and monitoring method. CN115825026A, Mar 21, 2023.
5. Zeng, W.; Lin, B.; Li, B.; Shen, G. Cascade reagent sequential-injection tube assembly and injection control method. CN117816266A, Apr 5, 2024.
6. Zeng, W.; Li, B.; Lin, B.; Shen, G. Cascade reagent mixing/injection tube assembly. CN117696139A, Mar 15, 2024.
7. Zeng, W.; Li, B.; Shen, G. Microfluidic chip and control method. CN118558379A, Jun 9, 2024.
8. Li, B.; Zeng, W.; Lin, B.; Shen, G. Needle-piercing rubber-seal valve with integrated spring and its control method. CN117548161A, Feb 13, 2024.
9. Li, B.; Zeng, W.; Shen, G. Microfluidic chip for pathogen lysis and nucleic-acid extraction and its extraction method. CN118546742A, Aug 27, 2024.
10. Li, B.; Zeng, W.; Shen, G. Reagent tube with multiple reagent storage chambers. CN118558378A, Jun 16, 2024.
11. Liu, P.; Zeng, W.; Li, B. Microfluidic chip with a quantitative reagent-aspiration unit and control method. CN2024108298493, Jun 25, 2024. (Granted)
12. Liu, P.; Li, B.; Zeng, W. Microfluidic cartridge and method for nucleic-acid testing based on two-stage purification. CN202410844787.3, Jun 27, 2024.
13. Zeng, W.; Li, B.; Shen, G. Microfluidic chip with a quantitative reagent-aspiration unit and control method. CN2024107406221, Jun 9, 2024.
14. Zeng, W.; Li, B.; Shen, G. Microfluidic chip and method enabling quantitative reagent aspiration. CN2024107406077, Jun 9, 2024.
15. Zeng, W.; Li, B.; Shen, G. Microfluidic chip and method enabling quantitative reagent aspiration. CN2024107406043, Jun 9, 2024.
16. Li, B.; Zeng, W.; Shen, G. Composite pathogen lysis device. CN202410844787.3, Jun 9, 2024.
17. Li, B.; Zeng, W.; Shen, G. Microfluidic chip and control method. CN2024107405727, Jun 16, 2024.
18. Liu, P.; Peng, Z.; Zeng, W.; Li, B. Microfluidic chip for nucleic-acid amplification, fluorescence detection device and method. Application No. 202611167437.3, Aug 3, 2026.
19. Zeng, W.; Wang, S.; Xing, Z.; Zhu, Z.; Sun, H.; Li, W.; Han, F.; Zhou, X.; Lin, S. Six-wheeled obstacle-crossing data-collection vehicle. CN210707692U, Jun 9, 2020.
20. Chen, L.; Yin, Y.; Liu, L.; Zheng, J.; Wang, S.; Zeng, W.; Liu, Z. Multi-parameter integrated oil contaminant detection device based on phase-shifting technique. CN211235639U, Aug 11, 2020.
21. Li, W.; Han, F.; Lin, S.; Yue, Y.; Ge, Y.; Zeng, W.; Liu, X.; Li, G.; Ye, H.; Chen, H. Chain stopper and method of use. CN111332409B, Sep 19, 2023. (Granted)

Conferences & Presentations

• May 2026 China Biomedical Engineering Conference and Innovative Healthcare Summit, Suzhou
  Poster: Lab on the Wrist: Wearable Biofluid Analysis for Sports and Health.
• May 2026 MINE 2026 PhD Forum, Microsystems & Nanoengineering — Outstanding Presenter
  Oral presentation: Microfluidic nucleic-acid testing system based on a needle-plug mesoscopic design paradigm.
• Nov 2025 12th China Microfluidics High-Level Academic Forum and 5th China Microfluidics Industry Forum, Hangzhou
  Oral presentation: Multi-scenario surveillance of respiratory viruses in aerosols with sub-single-copy spatial resolution.
• Apr 2025 Chinese Academy of Engineering Symposium and 14th China Molecular Diagnostics Technology Conference, Suzhou
  Poster: Rapid multiplex nucleic-acid analysis using microfluidics.
• Nov 2024 1st Graduate Academic Forum, School of Biomedical Engineering, Tsinghua University
  Oral presentation: Fully integrated rapid multi-target nucleic-acid analysis on a microfluidic chip.
• May 2024 Tsinghua Engineering Doctoral Spring Forum — Outstanding Poster Award
  Poster: Integrated microfluidic equipment for rapid forensic SNP testing.

Awards & Honors

PhD Period (Sep 2022 – Present)

• Jun 2026 Outstanding Student CPC Member, Tsinghua University
• Jun 2026 Outstanding Student (Sanhao Student), Tsinghua University
• Dec 2025 Selected for the 2025 CAST Young S&T Talent Development Program (PhD Track)
• Oct 2025 National Scholarship for Graduate Students (Tsinghua University)
• Sep 2025 4th Beijing College Students Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition — Third Prize
• Jul 2025 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition (Beijing Division) — Second Prize
• Nov 2024 Tsinghua Graduate Comprehensive Scholarship — Second Class
• Jul 2024 China International College Students’ Innovation Competition (Beijing Division) — First Prize
• May 2024 Tsinghua Engineering Doctoral Forum — Outstanding Poster Award
• Nov 2023 Tsinghua Graduate Comprehensive Scholarship — First Class
• Jun 2023 4th Capital Universities Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition — Bronze Award
• Dec 2022 Tsinghua “Med-Engineering Integration” Innovation Competition (1st Edition) — Third Prize

Undergraduate Period (Sep 2018 – Sep 2022)

• Nov 2019 National Inspirational Scholarship (Top 1%, three consecutive years)
• Nov 2019 DMU Scholarship (EQ Category) — First Class (two consecutive years, 1/238)
• Sep 2019 National College Student Science & Technology Innovation Competition (Team Leader) — National First Prize
• Oct 2020 4th National Innovation Methods Application Competition (Team Leader) — National First Prize
• Nov 2020 12th “Challenge Cup” Business Plan Competition — National First Prize
• Oct 2019 6th “Chuangqingchun” China Youth Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (Team Leader) — National Second Prize
• Aug 2020 11th China College Students Service Outsourcing Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (Team Leader) — National Second Prize
• Oct 2019 13th iCAN International Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (Team Leader) — National Third Prize
• Nov 2020 6th “Internet+” College Students Innovation & Entrepreneurship Competition (Team Leader) — National Third Prize
• Oct 2020 National College Student Physics Experiment Competition — National Third Prize
• Dec 2021 Wu Fu–Zhenhua Transportation Education Outstanding Student Award, Ministry of Transport
• Oct 2022 Outstanding Graduate of Liaoning Province; China University Students’ Self-Improvement Star

Leadership & Service

• Dec 2025 – Present Editorial Assistant, Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics (supported by the Biophysical Society of China)
• Mar 2024 – Present Tsinghua PhD Student Lecturer Corps: Gold Lecturer, Healthcare Subgroup Lead; “Top Ten Trainee”; Class Monitor; Cohort Lecturer & Teaching Assistant
  • Launched 5 courses (including 4 featured courses); delivered 30+ talks reaching ~10,000 participants; a themed lecture series was covered by CCTV.
• Sep 2024 – Present Secretary of the Youth League Branch (Class of 2022, Biomedical Engineering PhD); Organizational Committee Member of the Party Branch
• Jan 2025 – Present Tsinghua University dual-role Political Counselor (part-time); Party-building assistant / operations assistant / cohort assistant, School of Biomedical Engineering; supported graduate Party branch development, study activities and member development
• Sep 2019 – Sep 2021 Captain, Dalian Maritime University Diving Team; maintained three years of morning training and completed all water-performance tasks
• Sep 2018 – Dec 2021 Member, Work-Study Center & Tutoring Service Center (DMU); recognized for outstanding work-study service; fully self-financed college expenses through work-study

Certificates

• Dec 2024 High School Biology Teacher Qualification Certificate (China)