Jian Shi

Jian Shi is Associate Professor in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, with a joint appointment in Chemical Engineering. He holds a PhD in Biological Engineering from North Carolina State University, an MS from China Agricultural University, and a BE from Chongqing University.

His research develops novel bioprocesses for producing biofuels, bioproducts, and renewable materials through three focus areas: 1) Data-driven solvent innovation and enzyme engineering, 2) Biomass feedstock logistics and modeling, and 3) Nanotechnology applications in food and agriculture. His work bridges chemistry, engineering, and systems biology to advance sustainable biomanufacturing.

Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on sustainable material design, particularly using lignin derivatives and deep eutectic solvents for applications ranging from energy storage to environmental remediation.