The School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Seminar Series, “Cryopreservation of Biologicals Samples Scaling from Cells to Tissues and Organs: Principles, Challenges, and Emerging Solutions” Presented by Dr. Zhiquan (Andy) Shu

About the event

Cryopreservation of Biologicals Samples Scaling from Cells to Tissues and Organs: Principles, Challenges, and Emerging Solutions

Presented by Dr. Zhiquan (Andy) Shu, Associate Professor, School of Engineering and Technology, University of Washington Tacoma; Adjunct Associate Professor, Associate Director, Center for Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Artificial Organs, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington (Seattle)

Abstract:
Cryopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs for extended periods at low temperatures plays an essential role in biomedical research and applications, including cellular therapy, transplantation, regenerative medicine, biodiversity and nature conservation, food supply, and other fields. During cryopreservation, biological samples can be damaged by ice formation, exposure to cryoprotectants, and other factors. In particular, significant challenges emerge when scaling cryopreservation from cells to tissues and organs. This talk will introduce the basic principles of cryopreservation, discuss the challenges associated with the cryopreservation of biological samples across different scales, and present emerging possible solutions to address these challenges and urgent needs.

Biography:
Dr. Zhiquan (Andy) Shu is an Associate Professor in the School of Engineering and Technology at the University of Washington (UW) Tacoma, Associate Director of the Center for Cryo-Biomedical Engineering and Artificial Organs, and an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UW Seattle. Dr. Shu earned dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and computer science & technology from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), and his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in Mechanical Engineering from UW Seattle. Dr. Shu’s research focuses on cryobiology, biopreservation, and artificial organs. He has published 6 book chapters, approximately 90 peer-reviewed journal papers, and numerous conference papers and abstracts, covering scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in novel methods and instruments for the optimal biopreservation of cells, tissues, and organs. His achievements have been recognized internationally, including the “Dayong Gao Young Investigator Award” from the International Society for Cryobiology in 2023 (one awardee selected each year from around the world) and the NSF CAREER Award in 2026.