Tan Group

Current Members-Research Associates and Postdocs

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.

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.

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.

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

M.S. in Food Science, University of Delaware

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

Yuchen Ma

B.E. in Bioengineering, China Agricultural University

M.E. in Food Engineering, Jiangnan University

Yuchen Ma is a PhD student with research interests in Food Processing and Food Engineering. Her research focuses on developing innovative food processing technologies to improve food quality, safety, and functionality, with current work exploring engineering approaches to fresh produce washing and plasma science.

TBD

Contact PI for potential opportunities. We have a very competitive selection process due to available funding.

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!

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.

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.

Hui Ru Tan (Elaine) completed her training in the MFPE lab in August 2026 and has now started her new position at Colorado State University as a tenure-track assistant professor. We will continue to support and collaborate with her in her future career odyssey.

Zirui Xiong (Ray) completed her training in the MFPE lab in August 2026 and has now started his new position at Kansas State University as a tenure-track assistant professor. We will continue to support and collaborate with him in her future career odyssey.

Lale Ergen completed the summer internship with the MFPE lab on alternative proteins and achieved fruitful outcomes. She has come back to UPenn to continue pursuing a BSE in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

Hazel Kitala completed the summer internship with the MFPE lab on alternative proteins and achieved fruitful outcomes. She has come back to Wilmington Chapter School. We hope the future passway will cross again.

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