Qiang Yang

Qiang Yang serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Packaging at Michigan State University since August 2022, specializing in sustainable materials innovation for packaging systems.

Education:

• Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Pulp and Paper Engineering
• First Ph.D. in Polymer Chemistry and Physics (Zhejiang University)
• Second Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

His research program targets six interconnected domains of cellulosic packaging:

• Low-cost cellulose production from wood for sustainable packaging substrates
• Advanced material engineering of films, foams, and aerogels with enhanced barrier/mechanical properties
• Recycling methodologies using enzymatic and mechanical treatments for material reuse
• Smart packaging integration of biosensors, gas sensors, and environmental indicators
• Functional coatings using lignin-based formulations and cellulose nanocrystal inks
• Waste valorization converting unrecyclable packaging into fuels and chemicals

Teaching includes PKG 322: Packaging with Paper and Paperboard. No information regarding scientific awards, student advising, or grant funding was provided in the source materials.