Xueyan Zhao, Ph.D.

Dr. Xueyan Zhao received her B.S. and M.S. in Chemical Engineering and Biochemical Engineering from Tianjin University in 1999 and 2003, respectively. She
received her M.S. in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering from the University of Akron in 2006 and her Ph.D. in Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Minnesota in 2010.

In fall of 2015, Dr. Zhao joined the College of Engineering at California Baptist University where she is currently an associate professor. Between 2010 and 2015, she worked as a lecturer and research associate in University of Minnesota. While there, she taught a variety of courses in the area of Biochemical Engineering and Nanobiotechnology, including Bioproducts Engineering, Biological Process Engineering, and Bionanotechnology. During her time at the University of Minnesota, Dr. Zhao also worked in the Nanobiotechnology Research Laboratory. Her research focused on utilizing enzymatic reactions to detect biological molecules in clinical samples and energy generation from alternative resources.

Her research interests are primarily in the interdisciplinary areas of chemical engineering and nanobiotechnology. She has worked on research projects involving biofuel cells, biosensors, protein separation, and polymer-based coatings. She is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and the American Society of Engineering Education.

Dr. Zhao attends Irvine Canaan Christian Community Church. In her spare time she enjoys music, sports, and cooking with her son.

Preparing Future Faculty Program, University of Minnesota, 2009

Engineering Christian Worldview (EGR101)
Introduction Engineering Design (EGR102)
Intro Math Engineering Application-Lab (EGR182-Lab)
Engineering Design & Documentation (EGR302)
Leadership Cohort (EGR304)
Chemicl Engineerng Thermodynamics (EGR372)
Material Engineering & Selection (EGR373)
Separations-Lab (EGR374-Lab)
Bioprocess Engineering (EGR400)
Chemical Engineering Lab (EGR477)

Courses taught at University of Minnesota

MT3141 Bionanotechnology
BBE 4713 Bioprocess Engineering
BBE 4401 Bioproducts Engineering

Dr. Zhao's previous research is primarily in the interdisciplinary areas of chemical engineering and nanobiotechnology. Her research projects included biofuel cells, biosensors, protein separation, and polymer-based coatings, and Dr. Zhao’s current projects are focused on the testing and longevity of polymeric materials.

Dr. Zhao worked as a lecturer in the College of Continuing Education at the University of Minnesota from 2010 to 2015.

1. G. Dai, J. Hu, X. Zhao, P. Wang. A Colorimetric Paper Sensor for Lactate Assay Using a Cellulose-Binding Recombinant Enzyme. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, July 2016, 238, 138–144.
2. Kumar, G.; Wee, Y.; Lee, I.; Sun, H. J.; Zhao, X.; Xia, S.; Kim, S.; Lee, J.; Wang, P.; Kim, J. Stabilized glycerol dehydrogenase for the conversion of glycerol to dihydroxyacetone. Chemical Engineering Journal 2015, 276(15) 283–8.
3.Zhang L, Cao X, Wang L, Zhao X, Zhang S, Wang P. Printed microwells with highly stable thin-film enzyme coatings for point-of-care multiplex bioassay of blood samples. Analyst 2015 Apr 20.
4.Xia, S.; Zhao, X.; Frigo-Vaz, B.; Zheng, W.; Kim, J.; Wang, P. Cascade enzymatic reactions for efficient carbon sequestration. Bioresource Technology. 2015, 182:368-72.
5.Xia, S.; Frigo-Vaz, B.; Zhao, X.; Kim, J.; Wang, P. Biocatalytic Carbon Capture via Reversible Reaction Cycle Catalyzed by Isocitrate Dehydrogenase. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. 2014, 452(1):147-50.
6.Zhao, X.; Lu, X.; Tze, W.; Kim, J.; Wang, P. Cellulosic Carbon Fibers with Branching Carbon Nanotubes for Enhanced Electrochemical Activities for Bioprocessing Applications. ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2013, 5 (18), pp 8853–6.
7.Zhang, L.; Wu, S.; Buthe, A.; Zhao, X.; Jia, H.; Zhang, S.; Wang, P., Poly(ethylene glycol) Conjugated Enzyme with Enhanced Hydrophobic Compatibility for Self-Cleaning Coatings ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces, 2012, 4 (11), 5981-7.
8.Tong, X.; El-Zahab, B.; Zhao, X.; Liu, Y.; Wang, P.; Enzymatic Synthesis of L-Lactic Acid from Carbon Dioxide and Ethanol with an Inherent Cofactor Regeneration Cycle. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2011, 108(2):465-9.
9.Zhao, X.; Kim, B. C.; Wang, P. et al. Highly Stable Enzyme Precipitate Coatings and Their Electrochemical Applications. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2011, 26(5), 1980-6.
10.Zhao, X.; Lu, X.; Tze, W. T.; Wang, P. A Single Carbon Fiber Microelectrode with Branching Carbon Nanotubes for Bioelectrochemical Processes. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2010, 25(10):2343-50.
11.Baskaya, F.; Zhao, X.; et al. Thermodynamic Feasibility of Enzymatic Reduction of Carbon Dioxide to Methanol. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2010, 162:391–398.
12.Kwon, K.; Youn, J.; Kim, J.; Park, Y.; Jeon, C.; Kim, B.; Kwon, Y.; Zhao, X.; et al. Nanoscale Enzyme Reactors in Mesoporous Carbon for Improved Performance and Lifetime of Biosensors and Biofuel Cells. Biosensors and Bioelectronics, 2010, 26(2):655-60.
13.Zhao, X.; Jia, H.; Kim, J.; Wang, P. Kinetic Limitations of a Bioelectrochemical Electrode using Carbon Nanotube-Supported Glucose Oxidase for Biofuel Cells. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 2009, 104(6):1068-74.
14.Jia, H.; Zhao, X.; Kim, J.; Wang, P. Carbon Nanotube Composite Electrodes for Biofuel Cells Chapter 18 of Biomolecular Catalysis: Nanoscale Science and Technology.
15.Zhao, X. El-Zahab, B. Wang, P. et al., An Organic Soluble Lipase for Water-Free Synthesis of Biodiesel. Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 2007, 143, 236-243.
16.Fischback, M. Youn, J. Zhao, X. et al., Miniature Biofuel Cells with Improved Stability Under Continuous Operation. Electroanalysis, 2006, 18(19-20), 2016 – 2022.
17.Zhao, X. Tong, X. Sun, Y. Single-step purification of Lysozyme by an expanded bed with streamline SP. Journal of Process Engineering. 2004, 4(2), 103-108.

Student representative in faculty search committee in 2009
Chinese teacher from 2010-2012 and year of 2015
Outreach to local elementary school
Faculty Senate

music
sports
cooking

He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, Proverbs 2:7
For wisdom will enter your heart And knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; Proverbs 2:10