Zhi Zhou

Title:

Associate Professor

PhD Granting Institution:

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Contact:

Email Address: zhizhou@purdue.edu
Office Phone: 765-496-3559
Lab Website Link: https://environbiotechnology.com/

Primary Training Group:

Biotechnology

Secondary Training Groups:

Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases

Research Areas:

antibiotic resistance, algal biofuel, biotransformation

Current Projects:

Bioaccumulation and biosorption of PFAS and their precursors in the environment Retention of PFAS on spent Point-of-use and point-of-entry water filters Advancing remote sensing of the biogeochemical state of midwestern inland waters When blue is green: Sustainable blue food systems driven by integrated aquaponics

Importance of Interdisciplinary Research:

My research interest lies at the intersection of environmental microbiology and biotechnology, focusing on addressing critical environmental health and energy challenges. I'm fascinated by the intricate "why" and "how" of the microbial world. Why do microbial communities exhibit such astonishing diversity, yet often display predictable patterns? What are the mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance in some microbes, and susceptibility in others? Crucially, how can we leverage this knowledge to selectively inhibit pathogenic growth while preserving beneficial bacteria? And how can we harness microbial processes to develop cost-effective wastewater treatment systems and generate renewable biofuels for a sustainable future? These complex questions demand an interdisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from diverse scientific fields to find meaningful solutions.