Cheng Zhang is an associate professor of Chemistry at South Dakota State University (Brookings, SD, USA). He received his Ph.D. degree in chemistry from University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, and his B.S. degree in physical chemistry from Wuhan University, China. His current research interests include biomass conversion into liquid fuels, chemicals and materials. The research aims to develop enabling technologies for the creation of the future thermochemical biorefineary: a self-sufficient hydrothermal liquefaction process that does not rely on petroleum-derived solvents for its continuous operation, a non-reductive catalytic process for biocrude deoxygenation, and chemical modification of biocrude for various applications including asphalt binder, adhesive, controlled release fertilizer, lifetime extension of natural fiber products, etc. He has published ~98 peer reviewed journal papers and patents.