Richard Y. Zhao,PhD, MS, FAAM, FAAAS

Professor & Div Head, Mol Path, Director, Mol Diagnostics, Univ. Maryland Med Ctr; Fellow, American Academy Microbiology (AAM), Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

About

A tenured professor of pathology, microbiology-immunology, human virology and global health working through several leading universities with main research focus on HIV/AIDS, Zika virus, SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and cancer biology. Best known for the use of fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) as a model system to systematically study human virology and for HTS of antivirals. Broad scientific training background with appreciation and understanding of a wide-range of scientific issues. Clinically, a molecular pathologist with decades of experiences and have founded four CLIA/CAP accredited translational genomic or molecular diagnostic laboratories. Clinical specialties include translational genomics, companion diagnostics and precision medicine. Also as an academic leader, familiar with research, academic and international affairs. Over one hundred and sixty scientific publications, editorial member of major scientific journals, grant reviews for over ten countries and invited scientific and clinical lectures world-wide. Major honors include receiving Bernard L. Mirkin, PhD, MD Research Scholar Endowed Chair at Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Honorary Director of The Gallo Virology Institute, Shandong, China and elected to Fellows of American Academy of Microbiology (AAM) and American Association for The Advancement of Science (AAAS). At the work place, • a planner who likes to work with clearly defined and strategic goals • a team builder who is always intrigued by the synergistic power • a director who is effective in organization and execution • a leader who has strong track record in financial, personnel and organizational management On a personal level, • a man who believes in interacting with people with positive attitude, sincerity and humility • a professional who is dedicated, enthusiastic and diligent • an extrovert who trusts in communication and thrives on team work • a scientist who exercises logical thinking and critical reasoning • an educator who enjoys teaching at all levels • an international explorer who appreciates diverse culture

Experience

  • University of Maryland School of Medicine (21 yrs 11 mos)
    • Professor of Pathology, Microbiology-Immunology, Human Virology and Global Health
      Jan 2011 - Present · 15 yrs 7 mos

    • Founding Director of the Translational Genomics Laboratory
      2011 - 2015 · 4 yrs

      A CLIA/CAP accredited laboratory

    • Associate Professor of Pathology, Microbiology-Immunology and Human Virology
      Sep 2004 - Dec 2010 · 6 yrs 4 mos

  • Director of Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at University of Maryland Medical Center
    Sep 2004 - Present · 21 yrs 11 mos

    A CLIA/CAP accredited hospital laboratory.

  • University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) (9 yrs 1 mo)
    • Liaison for China and International Collaborations
      Jun 2011 - Jan 2020 · 8 yrs 8 mos

    • President, University Faculty Senate
      2011 - 2015 · 4 yrs

      As Interim-President, President and President Emeritus

  • Founding Director of Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
    1994 - 2004 · 10 yrs

    A CLIA/CAP/JC accredited hospital laboratory

  • Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology-Immunology at Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine
    1994 - 2004 · 10 yrs

    Received Bernard L. Mirkin, PhD, MD Research Scholar Endowed Chair (2001-2014)