Mingfei Zhao

Dr. Mingfei Zhao is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Alabama's College of Engineering, having joined in August 2024. Her research employs multiscale computational modeling (atomistic to continuum) to design bioinspired nanomaterials, focusing on peptoid self-assembly for drug delivery and nanofabrication.

Education:

• B.S. in Energy and Power Engineering, Shandong University (2012)
• M.S. in Power Engineering Thermodynamics, Shandong University (2015)
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, State University of New York at Binghamton (2019)
• Postdoctoral Training: Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago (2022)
• Postdoctoral Training: Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory (2024)

Research Interests: Dr. Zhao specializes in computational design of biomaterials using machine learning, molecular dynamics, and high-performance computing. Key areas include peptoid nanostructures for biomedical applications, data-driven biopolymer design, and colloidal assembly. Her work bridges chemical engineering, biophysics, and nanomaterials science.

Publication Trends: Recent articles (2021-2025) reveal a strong focus on multiscale simulations of biological systems—SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins, B cell receptors, and HIV fusion peptides—alongside methodological advances in coarse-grained force fields. Dominant themes include controllable peptoid self-assembly, viral infection mechanisms, and nanostructure stability.

Awards:

• 2024: CoMSEF Postdoctoral Scholar Award (AIChE)
• 2022: FOMMS Early Career Researcher Award (U.S. DOE)
• 2018: Graduate Research Ambassador Award (Binghamton University)

Affiliations: Dr. Zhao leads research at the Poly-SM Research Center, focusing on polymers and soft materials. Her lab develops computational tools for advanced nanomaterial design.