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The Research Postgraduate Student Innovation Award was established in 2022 to promote innovation and interdisciplinary research by recognising students’ exciting and innovative research ideas.  This year, nine PhD students have been chosen for the award by a Selection Committee jointly set up by the Graduate School and the Technology Transfer Office.

Two awardees – Mrs Junjing Zhang from the Faculty of Dentistry and Mr Yichi Zhang from the Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy – tell us more about their exciting research ideas that challenge the existing paradigms and their potential transformative impact on society.

Mrs Junjing Zhang, Faculty of Dentistry
Project title: 3D-printed orthodontic appliance with nanodiamond patterned optical strain sensor for monitoring real-time orthodontic data

This project aims to develop a 3D-printed smart orthodontic clear aligner with a built-in optical quantum strain sensor that can directly measure the orthodontic force and provide accurate information on the generated orthodontic force, such as magnitude and direction, to improve clinical treatment results.

The development of new clear aligner systems that can track the forces acting on the individual teeth is very important for orthodontists and patients to guide the designed movements of the teeth during the entire orthodontic treatment. Our newly developed dental clear aligner equipped with optical quantum sensors can promote the clinical results of orthodontic treatment by facilitating accurate measurement of orthodontic forces, and it will enhance convenience for both dentists and patients. This technology can be applied not only to orthodontic clear devices but also to human health monitoring and advanced prosthetics.

Mr Yichi Zhang, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Project title: Wireless LED-activated drug delivery system for suppression of postsurgical recurrence and metastasis of cancer

My research project is mainly about the development of green light-responsive photo-releasing drug delivery systems which combine photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy for cancer treatment.

Photodynamic therapy relies on the generation of reactive oxygen species, while immunotherapy relies on the enhancement of the innate immune system of the patients, and it can be applied in cancer treatments. In another aspect, the photolysis process can be triggered by a wireless micro-LED, which can be triggered by an NFC signal, which is very easily accessible.

The project, if successful, will make phototherapy-based cancer treatments more convenient and accessible. It helps to promote the research, development and commercialisation of nanomedicine and medical-based implants.

Below is a full list of the 2023-24 Awardees, click here to view their presentation posters.

Mr Nan Chen, PhD, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project title: Design and control of a single-actuated, self-rotating tail-sitter vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with foldable wings and ballistical launch

Mr Ruibin Mao, PhD, Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Project title: ReRAM-based in memory vector database equipped with efficient and versatile search for next-generation AI-powered edge devices

Miss Kee Wah Leong, PhD, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Project title: Regulating ion storage for a high performing aqueous magnesium-ion battery

Miss Xueying Lyu, PhD, Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine
Project title: Discovery of HBV integration biomarker based on deep learning model for neoadjuvant nivolumab treatment in HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

Mr Alfred Amruth, PhD, Department of Physics
Project title: Using nature’s cosmic telescopes to study dark matter

Mr James Njiraini Gachaja, PhD, Department of Urban Planning and Design
Project title: Mtaa Wetu – Our neighbourhood planning app: A web-based urban analysis and citizen level of satisfaction application

Mrs Junjing Zhang, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry
Project title: 3D-printed orthodontic appliance with nanodiamond patterned optical strain sensor for monitoring real-time orthodontic data

Mr Mengjie Wu, PhD, Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine
Project title: Small-molecule inhibition of RNA cytidine acetyltransferase NAT10 as a strategy against liver cancer

Mr Yichi Zhang, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy
Project title: Wireless LED-activated drug delivery system for suppression of postsurgical recurrence and metastasis of cancer