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Xinyu Zhang

Assistant Professor of Practice in Sustainability Engineering and Environmental Engineering
zhan5444@purdue.edu

Research Links

drxinyuzhang.wixsite.com

Education

  • Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 2012
  • M.Sc., Environmental Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, 2007
  • B.S., Environmental Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, 2005

    • Research Summary

    Application of VR/AR/MR with AI in engineering education, Sustainability curricular innovation, Experiential learning and global competency, STEM education and workforce for veterans, Biomanufacturing workforce training and education, Engineering recruitment and innovation diffusion.

    Selected Publications


    • Zhang, X., Worthy, R., & Johnson, S. (2025, June), Applying Engineering for One Planet (EOP) Framework to teach environmental risk in two institutions. Paper accepted by 25 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
    • Hensel, R. A., & Zhang, X., (2024, June), Institutionalization Challenges for an NSF S-STEM Program Paper presented at 2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Portland, Oregon. 10.18260/1-2--47638
    • Zhang, X., & Roberts, J.G., & Parrish, A (2023, March). Using a multidisciplinary engineering project in a first-year engineering course for educationally disadvantaged students. Paper presented at 2023 ASEE North Central Section conference, Morgantown, West Virginia
    • Fisher, S., Polyak, E., & Zhang, X. (2019). A bioreactor in virtual reality and video games to enhance the learning experience in bioprocess labs. EDULEARN19 Proceedings, 5294-5303.
    • Miller, P. S., Andrus, J. M., Davidson, P. C., Jones, R. L., Harbourt, C. M., & Zhang, X. (2014). Determining critical factors controlling off-site transport of pyrethroids in the urban environment. In R. L. Jones, M. Shamim & S. H. Jackson (Eds.), Describing the behavior and effects of pesticides in urban and agricultural settings (Vol. 3, pp. 27???64): American Chemical Society. https://doi.org/10.1021/bk-2014-1168.ch003
    • Zhang, X., Ye, X., Guo, B., Finneran, K. T., Zilles, J. L., & Morgenroth, E. (2013). Lignocellulosic hydrolysates and extracellular electron shuttles for H2 production using co-culture fermentation with Clostridium beijerinckii and Geobacter metallireducens. Bioresource Technology, 147, 89-95. doi:10.1016/j.biortech.2013.07.106
    • Zhang, X., Ye, X., Finneran, K. T., Zilles, J. L., & Morgenroth, E. (2013). Interactions between Clostridium beijerinckii and Geobacter metallireducens in co-culture fermentation with anthrahydroquinone-2, 6-disulfonate (AH2QDS) for enhanced biohydrogen production from xylose. Biotechnology and Bioengineering, 110(1), 164-172. doi:10.1002/bit.24627

    Awards and Honors

  • NSF-Lemelson Research in the Formation of Engineers (RFE) Award
  • NSF Building Capacity in STEM Education Research (BCSER) Award
  • Teaching for Tomorrow (TfT) Fellowship Award, Purdue University
  • IMPACT Fellowship, Purdue University
  • Academic Leadership for Women in Engineering, Society of Women Engineers