Cheng Zhang

Cheng Zhang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Biochemistry and Physics at South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD. His research focuses on organic materials for optoelectronic applications and biomass conversion to renewable fuels and chemicals.

Education:

• Ph.D. in organic/polymer/materials chemistry, University of Southern California, 1999
• Ph.D. candidate in laser spectroscopy and molecular reaction dynamics, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 1993
• B.S. in physical chemistry, Wu Han University, China, 1987

Research Interests: Dr. Zhang's work centers on biomass conversion into renewable fuels and chemicals, second-order NLO chromophores for organic electro-optic devices, and photostability mechanisms of organic chromophores. His expertise spans organic chemistry, materials science, and sustainable energy development, supported by approximately 95 peer-reviewed publications and patents.

Academic Responsibilities: He teaches undergraduate and graduate organic chemistry courses while serving on the Departmental graduate admission committee and College Promotion and Tenure committee.

Laboratory: Dr. Zhang leads an active research laboratory at South Dakota State University investigating organic materials synthesis and biomass conversion technologies.