Rui Gao explains his Researcher of the Year work in elevator pitch
Introduction
Rui Gao, Assistant Professor in CHEM/BIOS, was named one of 2025-2026 UIC Researchers of the Year - Basic Life Sciences Rising Star. The announcement states:
Dr. Gao’s research lies at the interface of chemistry and biology with a focus on elucidating the molecular nature of biological structures and processes central to life and human health. His research group combines chemical, physical and biomolecular approaches with advanced microscopy and imaging to map critical molecular constituents at their native spatiotemporal scales within intact biological systems. His lab uses these tools to investigate the molecular bases of a broad range of biological processes, including those related to the brain and mental health. His research program has been recognized by the Searle Scholars Award, the McKnight Technological Innovations in Neuroscience Award and the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award.
Rui and his fellow winners gave their elevator pitch about their research in this Linked In video posted on the UIC account.