Dongming Xie

Dongming Xie is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He also has an affiliation with the Center for Pathogen Research & Training (CPRT). Prior to joining UMass Lowell in 2016, Dr. Xie was a principal scientist at DuPont from 2006-2016, where he led the fermentation engineering team to commercialize the omega-3 project, resulting in two new commercial products for the company.

Dr. Xie's educational background includes:

• Postdoc (2006), Michigan State University
• Postdoc (2002), Tsinghua University
• Ph.D. in Biochemical Engineering (2000), Chinese Academy of Sciences - Beijing, China
• B.S. in Chemical Engineering (1992), East China University of Science & Technology - Shanghai, China

Dr. Xie's research focuses on metabolic engineering, bioprocess engineering, and continuous biomanufacturing. His lab, the Bio manufacturing Science and Engineering Lab (BioSEL), aims to build biomanufacturing platforms for sustainable production of high-value products from renewable and economical feedstocks. His research spans three main areas: (1) metabolic engineering of the non-conventional yeast Yarrowia lipolytica for high-value products such as wax esters, carotenoids, and omega-3 fatty acids; (2) biodegradation and bioconversion of plastic wastes; and (3) fundamental science and engineering to achieve successful biomanufacturing at large scale. His work integrates advanced science and engineering tools including synthetic biology, fermentation engineering, bioprocess integration and intensification, and bioprocess modeling, optimization, and control strategies.

Dr. Xie's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on sustainable biomanufacturing solutions, particularly in converting waste materials into valuable products. His research shows significant trends toward addressing environmental challenges through biotechnology, with particular emphasis on plastic waste recycling and sustainable production of omega-3 fatty acids. The interdisciplinary nature of his work bridges biochemical engineering, environmental science, and industrial biotechnology.

Dr. Xie has received several prestigious awards:

• Teaching Excellence Award (2020), University of Massachusetts Lowell
• DuPont Bolton/Carothers Innovative Science Award (2014)
• DuPont Accomplishment Award (2008)
• Tsinghua University Distinguished Postdoc Award (2002)

Dr. Xie actively mentors students at all levels, from undergraduate to PhD candidates. His research is supported by multiple grants from NSF, DOE, NIH, and industry partners. He has successfully secured funding for projects including "A New Yeast Biomanufacturing Platform for Making High-Value Products from Oils and Fats," "Bioconversion of Heterogeneous Polyester Wastes to High-Value Chemical Products," and "Integrated Continuous Biopharmaceutical Manufacturing Utilizing Robust In-Line NIR Mediated Control."

Dr. Xie leads the Bio manufacturing Science and Engineering Lab (BioSEL), which is part of the Massachusetts Biomanufacturing Center at UMass Lowell. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art bioreactors ranging from 1.3L to 200L, advanced analytical equipment, and downstream purification systems. The lab collaborates with four principal investigators and is well-maintained by technical staff for continuous research and training activities.