Yuanning Feng

Yuanning Feng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Oklahoma. His research focuses on designing dynamic functional molecules and materials that mimic biological systems, including self-replication, autocatalytic synthesis, and molecular machines. Key projects include developing dynamical materials with nanoscopic transformations, biomimetic molecular machines for medical applications, and fluorescent dyes for bioimaging. He holds a PhD from Northwestern University (2021) and a B.S. from Tsinghua University (2016). His lab collaborates across disciplines with physicists, engineers, and biologists.

Education:

• B.S., Tsinghua University (2012–2016)
• Ph.D., Northwestern University (2016–2021)
• Postdoc, Northwestern University (2021–2023)

Research Interests:

His work spans self-assembly, molecular machines, and biomimetic systems. Current projects include:

• Dynamic materials with programmable transformations
• NIR-II photothermal agents for cancer therapy
• Fluorescent dyes for live-cell imaging
• Prebiotic chemistry and the origin of homochirality

Grants & Awards:

• CAS Future Leaders Top 100 (2023)
• International Institute for Nanotechnology Award (2022)
• World Laureates Forum Young Investigator (2021)

Labs & Teams:

His group includes 1 Postdoc, 1 PhD student, 2 RAs, and 10 undergraduates. Collaborations exist with Fraser Stoddart’s group (Nobel Laureate) and institutions like UNSW and KAUST.