Donghai Wang

Donghai Wang is a Professor in the Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering at Kansas State University's College of Engineering. His research spans bioconversion of renewable materials into biofuels, chemicals, and biomaterials, alongside pioneering work in near-infrared technology for biomaterials analysis. He has secured $6 million as Principal Investigator and $22 million as co-Principal Investigator from agencies like USDA, DOT, NSF, and DOE.

• Ph.D., Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University (1997)
• M.S., Biological and Agricultural Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1994)
• B.S., Agricultural Engineering, Northeast Agricultural University, China (1982)

His work addresses technical barriers in cost-effective biofuel production from starch-based and cellulosic biomass, while developing biodegradable protein-based adhesives and oil-based resins. He co-directs the Bio Material and Technology Laboratory and has established nationwide collaborations.

Notable awards include multiple ASABE Superior Paper Awards, the USDA Certificate of Appreciation, Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Awards, and recognition as a top 2% scientist in biotechnology. He has supervised 25 doctoral candidates, 12 master’s students, and 13 postdoctoral associates, contributing to over 250 peer-reviewed articles and three U.S. patents.

• ASABE Superior Paper Award (2011, 2013, 2015)
• ASABE Rain Bird Engineering Concept of the Year Award (2010, 2016)
• USDA Certificate of Appreciation (2008)
• Frankenhoff Outstanding Research Award (2009, 2015)
• Engineering Distinguished Researcher Award (2019)
• Applied Energy Journal Award (2016)
• Top 2% Scientist in Biotechnology (2020)

Wang serves as associate editor for the Journal of the ASABE and Applied Engineering in Agriculture, and has held roles on multiple technical committees. His research bridges biomanufacturing, precision agriculture, and water quality engineering.