Chao Wang

Assistant Professor
Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Office Location

LEO 207G

Overview

Dr. Chao Wang’s research lies at the intersection of biomechanics, tissue engineering, and biomedical photonics, with an emphasis on understanding and engineering the biomechanical and structural properties of biological tissues to advance human health. He received his Ph.D. from Columbia University, where his research focused on ultrafast laser–tissue interactions, collagen-based tissue modification, and the biomedical engineering of biological tissues.

His research integrates experimental biomechanics, advanced optical imaging, and laser-based photonic technologies to investigate tissue structure–function relationships and develop innovative approaches for biomedical applications. His contributions include advances in corneal reshaping, cartilage reinforcement, and tissue repair, with findings published in leading scientific journals, including Nature Photonics and Scientific Reports, and research featured on a journal cover.

At Manhattan University, Dr. Wang is expanding his research program to encompass musculoskeletal and collagen-rich tissue biomechanics, biomedical spectroscopy, and quantitative tissue characterization for the early detection of progressive diseases. His emerging research interests also include developing therapeutic strategies for early-stage disease, human movement biomechanics, and rehabilitation engineering.

Courses Taught

  • ENGS 205 Intro Thermodynamics
  • ENGS 206 Statics
  • MECG 746 Research Project In Mech Engr
  • MECH 240 Applied Thermodynamics
  • MECH 312 Intro To Mechatronics
  • MECH 332 Finite Elem Analy & Cmpt Aid E
  • MECH 401 Mech Engr Design I
  • MECH 402 Mech Engr Design Ii

Research & Scholarly Activities

  • Biomechanics and Tissue Engineering: Biomechanics of musculoskeletal and collagen-rich tissues, extracellular matrix biomechanics, collagen crosslinking, and tissue structure–function relationships.
  • Biomedical Photonics and Laser–Tissue Interactions: Ultrafast laser–tissue interactions, femtosecond laser-induced tissue modification, optical tissue engineering, and laser-based biophotonics therapeutic technologies.
  • Biomedical Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy: Raman spectroscopy, nonlinear optical microscopy, and quantitative characterization of biological tissues.
  • Disease Detection and Therapeutic Engineering: Early detection of progressive tissue degeneration, biomechanical and biochemical biomarkers, and development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
  • Human Movement Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Engineering: Motion capture-based movement analysis, musculoskeletal kinematics, injury biomechanics, assistive technologies, and rehabilitation engineering.
  • Experimental and Computational Biomechanics: Mechanical characterization of biological tissues, constitutive modeling, finite element analysis, and multiscale biomechanical investigations.

Professional Experience & Memberships

  • Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)
  • Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)
  • SPIE – The International Society for Optics and Photonics