Dr. Jikai Zhao is an assistant professor in the School of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences as well as the Department of Biology at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV), one of the largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the United States. Dr. Zhao was trained as a postdoctoral associate in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the supervision of Prof. George W. Huber. Dr. Zhao uses thermochemical catalysis and biological processes to upgrade dairy byproducts, grains, and biomass into biofuels, chemicals, and materials. In addition, Dr. Zhao applies technoeconomic analysis and life-cycle assessment to evaluate the economic feasibility and environmental impacts of the proposed refinery. Dr. Zhao received a Ph.D. degree in biological and agricultural engineering from Kansas State University in May 2022.