[AI Seminar Series] Seminar by Prof. Wei-Chun Chou, Friday May 2, 12-1pm, MRB Seminar Room

[Vassilis Tsotras]

Dear colleagues,
the next AI Seminar will be on Friday May 2, 12:00-1:00pm at the MRB 
Seminar Room (1st floor).

**** Pizza and refreshments will be provided ****

To keep track of the number of attendees, please *register* at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ai-seminar-series-tickets-1340099526759

The talk will be given by Prof. Wei-Chun Chou, Department of 
Environmental Sciences, UCR

TITLE:
"Artificial Intelligence in Nanomedicine: Enhancing Pharmacokinetics, 
Rational Drug Design, and Drug Delivery Strategies"


ABSTRACT:
Integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into 
computational modeling frameworks is revolutionizing pharmacokinetic 
evaluation, offering transformative insights for both small-molecule 
drugs and the complex field of nanomedicine. This presentation 
highlights the pivotal role of AI-assisted approaches in predicting 
nanomedicine absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) 
properties, addressing the unique challenges posed by nanoparticle 
physicochemical characteristics, biological interactions, and the 
formation of the protein corona. By coupling AI with physiologically 
based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and integrating protein corona 
research, we introduce a novel paradigm that advances rational drug 
design, optimizes formulation strategies, and improves drug delivery 
precision. This synergy enhances scalability, reduces experimental 
burden, and accelerates the development of next-generation nanomedicines 
with superior therapeutic outcomes. Future directions will also be 
explored, including multi-modal data integration, neural network-driven 
simulations, and AI-enhanced predictive modeling to foster innovation in 
precision nanomedicine and drug design.


Bio:

Dr. Wei-Chun Chou is an Assistant Professor in the Department of 
Environmental Sciences in the College of Natural & Agricultural Sciences 
at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). He received his Ph.D. 
in Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences from the National 
Tsing-Hua University in 2013 and furthered his expertise through 
postdoctoral training at the Institute of Computational Comparative 
Medicine at Kansas State University, completing it in 2021.
Before his current position at UCR, Dr. Chou was a Research Assistant 
Professor in the Department of Environmental and Global Health at the 
University of Florida from May 2021 to December 2023. His research 
focuses on advancing computational technologies, particularly in 
physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling, machine learning, 
and artificial intelligence applications. His research primarily delves 
into nanomedicine, nanoparticles, and chemical risk assessment, aiming 
to elucidate their effects on the environment and human health.
Dr. Chou's contributions to the scientific community are evident through 
his authorship of over fifty peer-reviewed publications. His dedication 
and expertise have been recognized with prestigious awards and honors 
from the Society of Toxicology (SOT). His awards include the Outstanding 
Young Toxicologist Award from the American Association of Chinese in 
Toxicology (AACT), the Andersen-Clewell Trainee Award from the 
Biological Modeling Specialty Section, and the Best Paper Award from the 
Risk Assessment Specialty Section, reflecting the significance and 
impact of his contributions to the field.


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Sponsored by the RAISE at UCR Institute, the AI Seminar Series presents 
speakers working on cutting edge Foundational AI or apply AI in their 
research. The goal of these seminars is to inform the UCR community 
about current trends in AI research and promote collaborations between 
faculty in this emerging field.
These seminars are open to interested faculty and graduate students. 
Please forward this email to other colleagues or graduate students in 
your lab that may be interested. After the seminar a discussion will 
follow for questions, open problems, ideas for possible collaborations 
etc.

Sincerely,
Vassilis Tsotras
Professor, CSE Department
co-Director, RAISE at UCR Institute

Amit Roy-Chowdhury
Professor, ECE Department
co-Director, RAISE at UCR Institute
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