Nasal Physiology and Therapeutic Research Group

Dr. Zhao received his PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was trained in respiratory biofluid mechanics. During his subsequent postdoctoral and independent research at Monell Chemical Senses Center in Philadelphia, he focused on theoretical and experimental approaches to understand the physiological fluid and transport problems in the nasal airway, and its implications in nasal functions, especially in olfaction. He also has held an adjunct faculty position in otolaryngology at Thomas Jefferson University, where he engaged in active clinical collaborations on investigating obstructive nasal sinus symptoms and treatment planning, including nasal obstruction, conductive olfactory losses, sinus surgery simulation and optimization.

His research has been supported in the past by the U.S. Air Force, NIH and private foundations. More recently, Dr. Zhao and a team of multidisciplinary researchers have been awarded an R01 grant by the National Institute of Health to further develop methodology to objectively evaluate conductive nasal symptoms and to assist clinicians in planning for more effective treatment.