“Di is using deep learning to understand how emphysema progresses over time in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If successful, Di’s research may be used to predict how COPD will progress in individuals based on changes in life style and medication.” – Dina Blanc, Department Administrator, Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Hometown: Liaocheng, Shandong province, China
• Faculty mentor/advisor: Dr. Gary Christensen
• What is your degree program and expected graduate date? Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering; Expected to graduate in May 2024.
• Please describe your research: My research focuses on deep learning-based medical image registration, lung biomechanics analysis, and investigating longitudinal progression for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• In simple terms, why does this research matter? COPD affects the health and wellbeing of over 16 million people in the United States. My research can be used to predict how COPD will progress in individuals based on changes in lifestyle and medication. Furthermore, it may be used to analyze the efficacy of new treatments for COPD.
• How soon after starting at the University of Iowa were you able to participate in research? The second semester
• How has being involved in research made you more successful at the University of Iowa? Through research at the University of Iowa, I can learn, develop and implement state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms and apply them to medical image analysis. My research inspires me to work hard and make great contributions.
• What are your career goals and/or plans after graduation? After graduation, I will be a research scientist in a big technology company.

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