Jin Zhang

Jin Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering at Western University's Faculty of Engineering. She leads the Laboratory for Multifunctional Nanocomposites (LMN) and maintains her office in Thompson Engineering Building, Room TEB 465. Dr. Zhang has established herself as a leading researcher in nanomaterials and nanobiotechnology with significant contributions to biosensors, theranostics, and nanomedicine applications.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering from the National University of Singapore (2003), followed by an NSERC Visiting Fellowship at the National Research Council Canada (2003-2005) and an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship in Molecular & Cellular Medicine at the University of Ottawa (2006-2007).

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on the design, processing, surface modification, and characterization of nanocomposites for applications in environmental pollution control, food and beverage quality, and disease diagnosis. Her current work centers on developing advanced nanomaterials with enhanced chemical, magnetic, and optical properties across five main research directions: multifunctional nanocomposites processing & properties, theranostics, protein and chemical sensors, spintronics, and non-invasive detection systems. Her lab has pioneered novel laser-assisted fabrication techniques for hybrid nanocomposites and developed innovative biosensing platforms for non-invasive glucose monitoring and bacterial detection.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong trend toward translational research with clinical applications, particularly in developing non-invasive diagnostic tools for diabetes management, cancer detection, and ocular diseases. Her work increasingly integrates machine learning approaches with nanomaterial development and shows growing emphasis on overcoming biological barriers like the blood-brain barrier and endothelial barriers for improved drug delivery.

• Outstanding Mid-Career Achievement in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in Ontario, NanoOntario (2017)
• Early Researcher Award, Ontario (2014)
• Honored on List of Women Innovators Making a Difference in Global Health (2012)
• Grand Challenges Canada-Canadian Rising Stars in Global Health (2011)
• Keynote speaker at the International Conference on Nanotechnology (2010)

Dr. Zhang actively mentors a diverse group of students at all levels, from undergraduate researchers to postdoctoral fellows. Her lab has secured significant research funding through collaborations with the Ivey Eye Institute, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western Nanofabrication Facility, Biotron, and the National Research Council Canada. Current projects focus on developing nanostructured biosensors for point-of-care diagnostics, advanced drug delivery systems, and antimicrobial coatings for medical devices.

The Laboratory for Multifunctional Nanocomposites (LMN) maintains strong partnerships with clinical and research institutions to translate nanotechnology innovations into practical healthcare solutions. The lab's current research directions include developing non-invasive glucose monitoring through tear analysis, creating upconversion nanoparticles for enhanced imaging and drug delivery, and engineering nanomaterials for overcoming biological barriers in therapeutic applications.