Jikai Zhao | Assistant Professor

Ph.D. - 2022, Kansas State University
Biological and Agricultural Engineering
M.S. - 2017, Henan University of Technology
Food Science and Engineering
B.S. - 2014, Henan University of Technology
Food Science and Engineering

Contact information

1047 Seaton Hall
785-532-2932
jikaizhao@k-state.edu

Professional experience

Jikai Zhao earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Henan University of Technology before obtaining his doctorate in biological and agricultural engineering from Kansas State University in 2022. He subsequently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to his appointment at K-State, Zhao served as an assistant professor at the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley.

Research

Zhao's research group focuses on advancing biological and catalytic technologies for the conversion of agricultural, food and plastic waste into valuable biofuels, platform chemicals and biomaterials. He employs techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment to determine the economic viability and environmental impact of biorefinery processes. Additionally, Zhao is committed to enhancing STEM education by offering experiential learning opportunities, hands-on research experiences and workshops in communication and career development for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Research keywords

Biomanufacturing, catalytic conversion, biofuels, bioplastics, low-calorie sweeteners, technoeconomic analysis, life cycle assessment

Academic highlights

Zhao has secured more than $4 million in funding as either principal investigator or co-principal investigator from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Science Foundation. He has authored or co-authored more than 40 peer-reviewed journal articles and two book chapters. His exceptional academic performance, research excellence and leadership have been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Graduate Student of the Year, Graduate Student of the Month, and the Robert I-Jen and Sophia Shui-Kan Jung Graduate Scholarship from the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering at K-State.