Zilu Zhang | Duke University

About Me

Hey there! I’m pursuing a doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering (BME) in the Reker Lab at Duke University. My research broadly focuses on machine learning and drug development.

Machine Learning
- Kernel Hybridization for flexible, modular and bespoke algorithm design
- Active Learning for informative annotation and experiment prioritization
- Semi-Supervised Learning for knowledge extraction from unlabeled data and enhanced model evolution
Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Design
- Targeted Nanoparticle to achieve desired nanoparticle biodistribution
- Triple-Component Nanoparticle to repurpose and enhance the efficacy of cargo drugs
- Tunable Nanoparticle to formulate hard-to-encapsulate drugs and reduce excipient usage
Lab Automation, Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Key Publications

ACS Nano

TuNa-AI: A Hybrid Kernel Machine To Design Tunable Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery

Zilu Zhang, Yan Xiang, Joe Laforet Jr., Ivan Spasojevic, Ping Fan, Ava Heffernan, Christine E. Eyler, Kris C. Wood, Zachary C. Hartman, Daniel Reker* (*Corresponding author)

ACS Nano, 2025

PDF Code Best Abstract at NanoDDS2024; Best Poster at CRS2025

Nat. Nanotechnol

A large-scale machine learning analysis of inorganic nanoparticles in preclinical cancer research

Bárbara B. Mendes†, Zilu Zhang†, João Conniot, Diana P. Sousa, João M. J. M. Ravasco, Lauren A. Onweller, Andżelika Lorenc, Tiago Rodrigues*, Daniel Reker*, João Conde* (†Co-first authors, *Corresponding authors)

Nature Nanotechnology, 2024

PDF Code Orally Presented at BMES2023

Nat. Biomed. Eng

Screening oral drugs for their interactions with the intestinal transportome via porcine tissue explants and machine learning

Yunhua Shi, Daniel Reker, James D. Byrne, Ameya R. Kirtane, Kaitlyn Hess, Zhuyi Wang, Natsuda Navamajiti, Cameron C. Young, Zachary Fralish, Zilu Zhang, Aaron Lopes, Vance Soares, Jacob Wainer, Thomas von Erlach, Lei Miao, Robert Langer, Giovanni Trasverso* (*Corresponding authors)

Nature Biomedical Engineering, 2024

PDF Code

Conference Presentations

2025
- CRS2025 (Controlled Release Society Annual Meeting and Exposition), Philadelphia, PA
2024
- BMES2024 (Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting), Baltimore, MD
- NanoDDS2024 (The 22nd International Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Symposium), Orlando, FL
2023
- BMES2023 (Biomedical Engineering Society Annual Meeting), Seattle, WA

Awards and Recognition

Best Poster Award, Controlled Release Society (CRS), 2025
Paul and Lauren Ghaffari Graduate Fellowship, Duke University, 2025
Best Abstract Award, International Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Symposium (NanoDDS), 2024
The Graduate School Conference Travel Award, Duke University, 2024
The BME Department Conference Travel Award, Duke University, 2023/2024
The BME Department PhD Fellowship, Duke University, 2022
Master Students’ Research Fellowship, Duke University, 2019

Certificates

Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Duke University, 2024
Biotechnology, Duke University, 2021

Outreach Activities

Mentor of Preparing Research scholars In bioMEdical sciences (PRIME) Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2024/2025
Ambassador of the Summer Language Intensive Communication Experience (SLICE), Duke University, 2024
Mentor of PhD Mentoring Program, Duke University, 2023/2024/2025
Invited speaker of the Outreach Design Education Program (ODE), Duke University, 2023
Mentor of Visible Thinking - Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, Duke University, 2023
Mentor of Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Fellowship (B-SURF), Duke University, 2021

Teaching Experience

Founding teaching assistant of AI Entrepreneurship: Leading AI-Driven Startups, Duke University, 2025
Founding teaching assistant of Biomedical Data Science, Duke University, 2024
Founding teaching assistant of Machine Learning in Pharmacology, Duke University, 2021
Teaching assistant/guest lecturer of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies, Duke University, 2020

Fun Facts

Certified Jazz Drummer, Grade 10, China Conservatory of Music
Tug of War with A Plane (Plane Pull), 1st Place Fitness Division, Special Olympics North Carolina
Early Bird Morning Runner, over 1000 kilometers/year