Join us for “Bettering Our Lives and Planet: Harmonizing Nature with Chemical Technology” a keynote presentation by Dr. Zhongyu Yang, College of Engineering-Chemical & Biomedical, MizzouForward faculty candidate.  Dr. Yang will present on his research for approximately 40-minutes with a 20-minute question and answer session to follow.

Dr. Zhongyu Yang received his bachelor’s degree in polymer science and engineering in 2004 from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). He then moved to the east coast of the United States to pursue his Ph.D. in physical chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh, under the supervision of Sunil Saxena, where he received training in Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. In 2010, he moved again to the west coast for his postdoc training with Wayne Hubbell at UCLA wherein he received training in biochemistry and biophysics. In Fall 2015, he started his independent career in the Midwest, at the North Dakota State University (NDSU) where he decided to combine all his training experience and develop an interdisciplinary materials research program. In 8.5 years, he has published ~85 peer-reviewed articles and ~40 conference presses. His interdisciplinary research program has received over $ 6 million federal and local grants. He has mentored 9 graduate students with 4 Ph.D.s generated from his group as well as 6 postdocs. 

This Keynote Address will summarize our progress on the development of enzyme@nanostructure materials and experimental methodologies to probe the structure-function relationship of these materials. These research directions will lead to “green” protein/drug delivery platforms, efficient and “green” degradation of plant biomass, in-depth understanding of proteases, their inhibition, and relevant drug development, enhanced CO2 conversion, as well as improved fundamental protein biophysics, ultimately bettering the environment and people’s life as well as broadening the resources of materials and energy on earth.

You can access Dr. Yang’s CV via OneDrive here:

 CV Yang 01 2024.pdf (University log in required to access)

After the keynote, please provide candidate feedback with our brief survey.