Dr. Yebo Li is an internationally recognized expert in bioenergy, waste valorization, and bio-based materials with over 30 years of experience leading applied research and commercial innovation in anaerobic digestion, sustainable polymers, and circular bioeconomy systems. He currently serves as Chief Innovation & Science Officer at Quasar Energy Group, where he directs technology strategy and commercialization of advanced bioenergy and biomaterials technologies.Prior to joining Quasar, Dr. Li was a Professor of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University, where he established a nationally competitive bioenergy research program. He has led more than $60 million in federally and industry-sponsored research projects, including major awards from the U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense, and numerous industrial partners. His innovations have resulted in multiple U.S. patents, licensed technologies, and widely adopted solutions in anaerobic digestion and bio-based polymer systems.Dr. Li has authored over 150 peer-reviewed publications with more than 22,000 citations and an h-index of 73 (Google Scholar). He has edited several influential books including Bioenergy: Principles and Applications and serves as editor of the Advances in Bioenergy book series published by Elsevier, establishing him as a leading voice in translating bioenergy research into practical applications for the circular economy. Dr. Zhiping Zhang is a Professor and doctoral supervisor at Henan Agricultural University, where she serves as Director of the International Joint Laboratory of Biomass Energy and Nanomaterials in Henan Province. She earned her doctoral degree from Henan Agricultural University in 2015, including joint training at Louisiana State University (2013-2015) with additional research visits to Kansas State University and Ohio State University. She has also served as a senior visiting scholar at the University of Glasgow, UK, bringing a comprehensive international perspective to her research.Dr. Zhang has received numerous prestigious recognitions including Leading Young Talent in Henan Province, Outstanding Young Scholar of Henan, Academic and Technical Leader by the Henan Provincial Department of Education, and selection for the inaugural cohort of Henan's "Young Talent Support Program." Her leadership extends internationally through prominent positions including Co-chair of the International Association of Biohydrogen, Central Committee Member of the International Bioprocessing Association (IBA), Executive Secretary (China) of the China-Italian Joint Research Center for Agricultural Waste Recycling, Vice Chair of the Biohydrogen Committee of the International Consortium for Waste-to-Hydrogen Utilisation and Betterment, and Standing Director/Deputy Secretary-General of the Henan Society of Agricultural Engineering.Her research focuses on biomass energy development and utilization, achieving significant breakthroughs in directional bioconversion of agricultural waste and biohydrogen production. She has led eight national and provincial research projects and received multiple honors including the Henan Youth Science and Technology Award, First Prize of Henan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award, and Second Prize of Henan Provincial Science and Technology Progress Award. Dr. Zhang has published over 100 papers in authoritative journals and is recognized among the world's top 2% most-cited scientists. She holds 27 authorized domestic and international invention patents, three of which have been successfully commercialized, demonstrating her commitment to translating research into practical applications for sustainable energy solutions.
