Xueqin ZhangView profile
Research Fellow
Dr. Xueqin Zhang is an ARC DECRA Research Fellow at the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB, formerly AWMC) within the School of Chemical Engineering at The University of Queensland's Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Information Technology. He obtained his PhD in 2021 from the Advanced Water Management Centre (AWMC) and served as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at ACWEB until November 2023. Dr. Zhang serves as a Lecturer in Advanced Wastewater and Biosolids Treatment (WATR6103) and supervises thesis projects (CHEE7382). Dr. Zhang's research focuses on the physiology and ecology of novel microorganisms in biogeochemical cycling, bioelectrochemistry in carbon (methane) cycles and environmental bioremediation, and greenhouse gas (bio)conversion for value-adding applications. His work specifically targets anaerobic methane oxidation processes, microbial electron transfer mechanisms, and applications for environmental remediation and resource recovery. He has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles in top-tier journals including Nature Microbiology , Nature Communications , Environmental Science and Technology and Water Research . Analysis of Dr. Zhang's recent publications reveals a strong focus on anaerobic methane oxidation (AOM) mechanisms, particularly involving 'Candidatus Methanoperedens' species. His research spans microbial physiology, bioelectrochemistry, and environmental applications, with increasing emphasis on greenhouse gas conversion technologies and environmental remediation strategies. The work integrates microbiology, electrochemistry, and environmental engineering to address climate change challenges through microbial solutions. ARC DECRA Fellow (Australian Research Council Discovery Early Career Researcher Award) Guest Editor for two journals Reviewer for over 10 journals Editorial board member of Frontiers of Environmental Science Engineering Dr. Zhang is actively supervising multiple PhD students on projects related to anaerobic methane oxidation, bioelectrochemical systems, and greenhouse gas conversion. His current ARC DECRA project (2025-2027) focuses on 'Reversible methane metabolism in methanogenic and methanotrophic archaea.' He has been involved in several ARC-funded projects including 'Fundamental understanding and application of the metabolic pathway for VFA/electricity production through Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane (AOM)' and 'Production of valuable chemicals from gaseous waste.' Dr. Zhang is a core member of the Australian Centre for Water and Environmental Biotechnology (ACWEB), working within research teams focused on advanced wastewater treatment, decarbonization technologies, and environmental bioremediation. His laboratory work integrates microbial physiology studies with electrochemical techniques to investigate novel metabolic pathways in methane-cycling microorganisms.








