Tan Group

Current Members-Research Associates and Postdocs

Zirui Ray Xiong

B.S., Biotechnology, University of Science and Technology of China

M.S. & Ph.D., Food Science and Technology, Cornell University

Dr. Zirui Ray Xiong is a microbiologist with expertise in antimicrobial metabolites, food microbiome, pathogen persistence in the environment, and pathogen control strategies. His research focuses on evaluating pathogen survival in the environment, analyzing microbial communities, and utilizing novel intervention technologies to enhance food quality and safety.

Rongge (Nikki) Zou

Ph.D., Biological Systems Engineering Washington State University

Dr. Rongge Zou's expertise lies at the intersection of thermochemical conversion, heterogeneous catalysis, and advanced materials characterization. Dr. Zou’s research focuses on developing high-efficiency, biochar-derived carbon catalysts and establishing chemical upcycling pathways to transform biomass and plastic waste into valuable energy products and chemical feedstocks, actively advancing the principles of a circular economy.

Hui Ru Tan (Elaine)

Ph.D. & BSc, Summa cum Laude

National University of Singapore (NUS)

Dr. H.R. Tan is a Food Chemist and Engineer who is proficient in both pilot-scale processing techniques and food analytical methods. Her research focuses on utilizing food processing technologies to enhance the nutritional profiles, physicochemical properties, and safety of plant-based food ingredients.

Yalan Wu

B.E. Agricultural Mechanization and Automation, Huazhong Agricultural University

M.E. Agricultural Engineering, China Agricultural University

Ph.D. Food Science and Technology, Ohio State University

Dr. Yalan Wu's expertise lies at the intersection of analytical chemistry, chemometrics, and food quality science. Dr. Wu's research focuses on developing rapid, non-destructive analytical methods to authenticate food products, detect contaminants and adulteration, and enable real-time quality monitoring, actively advancing the reliability and efficiency of the food supply chain.

Saehah Yi

Ph.D. Food Science and Technology, Virginia Tech

M.S. Veterinary Pathobiology and Preventive Medicine, Seoul National University

Saehah Yi is a food microbiologist with expertise in microbial genomics, microbiome analysis, and bioinformatics. Her research applies culture-based and sequencing approaches to investigate microbial communities, foodborne pathogens, and antibiotic resistance across food, environmental, and human systems through a One Health perspective. In the MFPE Lab, her research focuses on applying microbiome and genomic tools to understand how novel food processing technologies influence microbial communities in food and agricultural systems.

Current Members-Ph.D. and Master Students

Fariha Chowdhury Meem

B.S. and M.S. in Food Engineering

Shahjalal University of Science and Technology

Fariha Chowdhury Meem is a PhD student with a focus on Food Engineering and Food Safety. Her research explores novel food processing technologies, such as cold plasma, to design scalable and energy-efficient washing systems and to enhance the post-harvest safety of fresh produce.

Linhui (Lynn) Zhou

B.S. in Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao University

M.S. in Food Science, The University of Melbourne

Linhui Zhou is a Ph.D. student with research interests in Food Processing and Food Microbiology. Her research focuses on developing innovative probiotic encapsulation strategies to enhance probiotic viability, stability, and bioavailability in gastrointestinal systems and to promote gut health.

Yiwen Cheng

B.S. in Nutrition Dietetics, Boston University

Yiwen Cheng is an MS student with research interests in Food Processing and Sensory. Her research focuses on developing novel food products with the aim of enhancing sustainability, nutrition profile, and sensory properties.

TBD 2026 Fall Expected

Current Members-Undergraduate Assistants & Interns

Brandon Tang

B.E. Mechanical Engineering, UD (Ongoing)

Brandon Tang is a mechanical engineering major currently scheduled to graduate by 2027. His research interests include automation/robotics and the design of other mechanical devices for applications in the food system.

Jenna Moffet

B.S. in Food Science, UD (Ongoing)

Jenna Moffett is an undergraduate student pursuing a BS in Food Science. She enjoys assisting in the lab and has a strong interest in microbiology and food safety. Jenna is excited to continue building her laboratory skills!

Lale Ergen

BSE in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, UPenn (Ongoing)

Lale Ergen is pursuing a BSE in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and a minor in Mechanical Engineering. She is interested in learning more about food science, product development, and manufacturing processes.

Joann Shi

Wilminton Charter School, DE (Ongoing)

Joann Shi is a rising junior at the Charter School of Wilmington with interests in chemistry, materials science, and microbiology. She is excited to gain hands-on laboratory experience and learn more about food science, product development, and research methods.

Hazel Kitala

Wilminton Charter School, DE (Ongoing)

Hazel Kitala is a rising high school senior expected to graduate in 2027. She hopes to pursue Food Science, with interests in culinary arts, research and development, and product development.

Hector Muñoz-Ayala

B.S. in Food Science, UD

Hector Muñoz-Ayala is a 2026 Food Science graduate from UD. He is highly interested in food chemistry and food analysis, and he plans to pursue these interests through hands-on research and lab work.

Lab Alumni

Ganyu (Gavin) Gu was a research microbiologist at MFPE lab, and now is a Senior Microbiologist at Taylor Farm. We appreciate his contributions to the lab during his stay and now he is in a more critical position that will impact the safety of your salads.

Dr. Ruogu Tang was a postdoc at MFPE Lab. He has been working on biochar production, characterization, and applications. He is looking for new opportunities in academia.

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