Joshua is a 2nd-year PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan. His research focuses on biological interactions with functional biomaterials, including cell-material biointerfaces, regenerative implants, and in vitro modeling using responsive hydrogels. He is particularly interested in the tri-directional interplay between cells, hydrogels, and nascent ECM within 3D culture platforms. Joshua aims to map the spatiotemporal dynamics of nascent ECM to understand its roles in signal storage and transmission. Using in vitro 3D culture systems, he explores the potential of nascent ECM to direct cell fate in response to hydrogel modifications, with an emphasis on chondrogenesis and osteoarthritis.

Outside the lab, he is passionate about becoming a foodie and cook, a love for cuisine that’s practically encoded in his Taiwanese DNA. This means he’s often caught in the perpetual struggle between indulging in great food and sticking to a diet.