Valorization of Organic Wastes for Bioenergy and Bioproducts

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. 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.