Zhiling Guo

Dr. Zhiling Guo is an Assistant Professor in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham, where she has been working since March 2018. Her research focuses on environmental toxicology with a particular emphasis on understanding human exposure to various pollutants and their lifelong health impacts.

Dr. Guo earned her BSc in Biotechnology in 2008 from Shanxi Normal University, followed by a PhD in Marine Ecology in 2014 from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. She also completed studies at the University of Connecticut in Marine Biology from 2011-2013. Prior to joining the University of Birmingham, she held postdoctoral positions at the Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences (Chinese Academy of Sciences) and McGill University.

Her research interests span environmental toxicology, nanotoxicology, molecular toxicology, neurotoxicology, and aquatic toxicology. Dr. Guo investigates the connection between human exposure to pollutants (including nanomaterials, micro/nano-plastics, air pollutants, organic pollutants, heavy metals, viruses, pollen, and emerging pollutants) and lifelong health, along with the underlying mechanisms. She also develops 3R alternatives (in vitro barrier models, organ-on-chip) to facilitate investigation of human and environmental impacts of pollution. Her work extends to understanding pollutant effects on terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems, and developing biosensors for pollutant detection.

Dr. Guo's recent publications (2023-2025) demonstrate strong focus on environmental nanoscience, particularly nanomaterial transformations, pollutant remediation technologies, and nanomaterial-biological interactions. Her work spans water treatment applications, soil-plant systems, and human health implications, with significant contributions to understanding nanoplastic behavior, nanomaterial biocoronas, and the development of green remediation technologies.

Her scientific recognition includes:

• Outstanding reviewer for Environmental Science: Nano
• Associate Editor for Frontiers in Toxicology
• Guest Editor for Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety
• Editorial Board member for Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety

Dr. Guo is actively engaged in professional societies including the Society of Toxicology (Full Member), Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (Member), and Chinese Society of Toxicology (Full Member). Her research has resulted in over 50 publications in top-tier journals including Nature Protocol, Nature Plants, Nature Communication, PNAS, Water Research, Environmental Science & Technology, and Nano Today.