Dr. Hongxia Fu is an accomplished researcher and Associate Professor in the Division of Hematology Oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. She holds joint appointments in the Department of Bioengineering and the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to biomedical science. Dr. Fu completed her doctoral studies at the National University of Singapore before undertaking postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Boston Children's Hospital, where she focused on hemostasis and thrombosis research. Her academic journey, which began with an M.Eng. from Dalian University of Technology in China, has established her as a respected leader in quantitative approaches to understanding physiological mechanisms in disease states.
Dr. Fu's research integrates single molecule biophysics, microfluidics, and stem cell biology to investigate how biological systems respond to environmental changes at the molecular level. Her laboratory has made significant contributions to understanding mechanobiology in vascular function, particularly regarding von Willebrand disease and other bleeding disorders through innovative application of force manipulation techniques on protein structures. By developing molecule-to-tissue scale models using human pluripotent stem cells and organoid technology, her work provides crucial insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying hemostasis and thrombosis. This multidisciplinary approach has positioned her research at the forefront of connecting nanoscale molecular events with tissue-level physiological phenomena in vascular biology.
The Fu Laboratory actively trains the next generation of scientists through comprehensive research programs that blend engineering and biological approaches to solve pressing medical challenges. Current projects focus on creating advanced vascular disease models using gene edited stem cells to develop novel therapeutic interventions for bleeding and clotting disorders. Dr. Fu teaches Engineering Cell Biology at the University of Washington, demonstrating her commitment to education and scientific training in quantitative biosciences. Her ongoing research continues to bridge the gap between fundamental biophysical principles and clinical applications, with particular emphasis on translating molecular discoveries into potential therapeutic strategies for vascular diseases.
