This book honors Professor Rong Zhu Gan's pioneering work in biomedical engineering related to the hearing system and celebrates her retirement from the University of Oklahoma. It includes contributions from her colleagues, students, and friends, each reflecting her profound influence on auditory biomechanics and the lives of those who have collaborated with her. The chapters cover a wide range of topics, including fundamental science, biomaterials testing, clinical disorders, and advanced numerical modeling, showcasing the depth and breadth of her impact. Together, these works highlight Professor Gan’s remarkable legacy as a leading researcher, dedicated mentor, and inspiring friend.

Yijie Jiang, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Oklahoma. His research group specializes in finite element modeling, biomechanical and biomedical engineering, additive manufacturing, and mechanical characterization across multiple length scales for complex structures and advanced materials. The group also has extensive experience in biomechanics, particularly in studies related to the auditory system and hearing devices. Dr. Jiang received his Ph.D. and M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics from the University of Pennsylvania and a B.S. in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from Fudan University in 2017, 2013, and 2011, respectively. He has more than 60 journal publications and conference publications. He also serves as an associate editor, guest editor, and editorial board member for multiple scientific journals, as well as a professional reviewer for more than 20 journals.

Jeffrey Tao Cheng, Ph.D., is an Investigator at the Eaton-Peabody Laboratories (EPL) at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and an Associate Professor in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at Harvard Medical School. His research focuses on understanding the relationship between structure and function in normal, diseased, and reconstructed middle ears. In his research, Dr. Cheng uses experimental measurements in cadaveric human temporal bones and live animals to quantify middle ear transfer functions and couples the experimental results to biomimetic and computational models to provide insights into the sound conducting mechanisms of the auditory periphery.