Research Gate Publications
My overarching research goal is to understand and develop novel bioprocesses and models to produce biofuels, bioproducts, and renewable materials by exploring the interface between chemistry, engineering and system biology. We have grown several specific research areas including 1) data-driven solvent innovation and enzyme engineering for renewable, circular, and low-carbon chemicals and materials; 2) biomass feedstock logistics and modeling; and 3) nanotechnology and fermentation development for food and agriculture applications.
Bioprocessing
Biomanufacturing
Fermentation
Sustainability
Waste treatment
Decarbonization
Ph.D., Biological Engineering (minor in Biotechnology), North Carolina State University
M.S., Food Science and Engineering, China Agricultural University, China
B.E., Material Science and Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering, Chongqing University, China
Professor, University of Kentucky. Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. 2025 - present
Affiliated Professor. University of Kentucky. Department of Chemical Engineering. 2025 - present
Associate Professor, University of Kentucky. Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. July 2021 - 2025
Assistant Professor, University of Kentucky. Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering. July 2015 - 2021
Senior Scientist, Novozymes Biologicals Inc. 2015
Postdoctoral Researcher, Sandia National Laboratories/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. 2012 - 2014
