Mingyu Qiao

Dr. Mingyu Qiao is an Assistant Professor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Connecticut's College of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources (CAHNR). He is also the founder, Chief Technology Officer, and Chief Science Officer of Halomine Inc. (2018–2022), a startup focused on antimicrobial technologies. Previously, he was a Postdoc Research Associate at Cornell University (2017–2020) and holds a Ph.D. in Food Science from Auburn University (2017). His research focuses on developing sustainable, nature-derived materials for encapsulation and controlled delivery of bioactives in food, animal, and human systems, with applications in animal feed, edible packaging, and dietary supplements. Key areas include scalable low-impact bioprocessing, microencapsulation techniques, and biomanufacturing of nutritional ingredients.

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Food Science, Auburn University (2017)
  • M.S., Food Science, Auburn University (2015)
  • B.E., Food Safety and Quality, Northwest A&F University (2012)

His work emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and commercialization, aiming to provide affordable, nutritious products with minimal environmental impact while fostering entrepreneurship in food and biotechnology. Notable contributions include rechargeable antimicrobial coatings for food safety and antiviral membranes against SARS-CoV-2. Media recognition includes features in Cornell Chronicle, USA Today, and state-funded initiatives like the New York Biodefense Commercialization Fund ($2MM award).

Dr. Qiao’s lab actively recruits students and researchers with backgrounds in chemistry, biology, and engineering to advance innovations in food science and biomedical applications. Current projects include developing eco-friendly materials from food waste and marine resources.