Early Career Editorial Board Member Interview: Dr. Le (Jasper) Yu

Dr. Le (Jasper) Yu is an Assistant Professor in the Division of Biological and Biomedical Systems at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC). He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Connecticut in 2019. Before joining UMKC, he held a position as an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Pennsylvania State University. Prior to that, he completed his postdoctoral training and later served as a Research Scientist at Ohio University.

Dr. Yu’s research focuses on tissue engineering, drug delivery, and biomineralization, and he has authored over 20 peer-reviewed publications in these areas. He actively contributes to the scientific community, serving as an Early Career Editorial Board Member for Bioactive Materials and as a guest editor for several journals, such as Materials Today Bio. Additionally, he has reviewed manuscripts for over 20 prestigious journals, including Science Advances and Bioactive Materials.

Here is the interview we did with him:

1. Could you briefly introduce the specific focus of your current research within the broad area of bioactive materials?

Our group focuses on developing and evaluating advanced biomaterials for drug delivery and bone, cartilage, and nerve tissue regeneration.

2. In the context of researching bioactive materials, what unique obstacles or difficulties have you faced? 

It is common to face obstacles in daily research. In my work with bioactive materials for regenerative medicine, for example, a key challenge is achieving the right balance between the mechanical properties and biodegradation rate, or fitting the biodegradation rate with the tissue regeneration profile.

3. How do you stay updated with the latest advancements in research, considering the rapidly evolving nature of the field?

By actively reviewing journal articles, attending conferences, reading top publications, and communicating with colleagues in the field.

4. What were the key factors that attracted you to become an early career editorial board member of Bioactive Materials? 

Bioactive Materials not only maintains a high impact factor but also publishes high-quality research. As an early career editorial board member, I have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge advancements in the field of bioactive materials firsthand. Additionally, the journal’s well-established and highly regarded editorial board, led by esteemed Editors-in-Chief, offers valuable opportunities for me to learn from these experienced researchers.

5. From your perspective, what are the most promising directions for the future development of Bioactive Materials? 

This a challenging question for an early-career researcher. However, I believe that encouraging more multidisciplinary submissions integrating broader collaborations, such as engineering, clinical expertise, and AI, holds great promise.

6. As an early career editorial board member, what initiatives do you plan to take to engage more early-career researchers with the journal and the field of bioactive materials?

I plan to propose a special issue (forum) specifically dedicated to contributions from early-career researchers.

7. Beyond your scientific endeavors in bioactive materials, what is your favorite pastime? 

I usually stay with my family, play basketball, and watch video games sometimes.

8. Given the demanding nature of scientific research, how do you manage to strike a balance between your research work and your personal life?

As an early-career faculty member working toward tenure, it is almost impossible to complete separate work from home. Managing a good work-life balance is, therefore, challenging. But I try my best to spend quality time with my supportive family after work, and prioritize at least 1-2 family trips each year.