Susan Zhou

Susan Zhou is a Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). Her research focuses on biosensors, bionanotechnology, and microfluidics, with applications in healthcare and infectious disease detection. She teaches Advanced Chemical Processes and Fluid Mechanics, emphasizing project-based learning and global education.

Education:

• MS in Chemical Engineering, Clarkson University, 1999
• PhD in Chemical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, 2002

Research Interests: Dr. Zhou's team develops biosensors using microfabrication and nanotechnology, targeting applications in healthcare diagnostics. Key areas include electrochemical (EC), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technologies. Recent work includes portable biosensors for viral infections like COVID-19 and durable electrocatalysts for fuel cells.

Professional Highlights:

• Recipient of WPI's Faculty Promotion and Tenure Award (2021)
• Contributed to WPI's record research funding milestone (2018)
• Co-developed a biosensor for Clostridium difficile detection featured in the Worcester Business Journal

Labs/Teams: Leads research on bio-nanotechnology and electrochemical systems, collaborating with industry and academic partners. Active in mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in interdisciplinary projects.