RBI Initiative Lead Profile: Zhaohui (Julene) Tong

Zhaohui (Julene) Tong is an associate professor in the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at Georgia Tech and leads the waste valorization in food-energy-water initiative at the Renewable Bioproducts Institute. Her research addresses challenges in the interdisciplinary fields of bioresource engineering and sustainable chemistry, focusing on developing innovative technologies for producing chemicals, materials, energy, and fuels from renewable resources.

Tong’s current research interests include functional biomaterials for a high-efficiency circular economy, platform chemicals and hydrocarbon fuels from renewable resources, sustainable process control and modeling, nano-biomaterial synthesis and self-assembly, and polymer degradation and recycling.

She earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Changsha University of Science and Technology in China and her doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her research spans multiple disciplines, including materials, nanotechnology, energy, and sustainability.

Below is a brief Q&A with Tong, where she discusses her research focus areas and how they contribute to maximizing the waste valorization in the food-energy-water initiative at Georgia Tech.

• What is your field of expertise and at what point in your life did you first become interested in this area?

My expertise lies in sustainable materials and catalytical conversion, with a focus on transforming abundant and low-cost bioresources into functional biomaterials, biochemicals, and biofuels. Driven by a strong desire to conduct meaningful research, I aim to contribute to advancements in human health, food security, and environmental sustainability, addressing critical issues such as climate change, water scarcity, and the circular economy. 

• What questions or challenges sparked your current renewable bioproducts research? What are the big issues facing your research area right now?

The current economy faces significant challenges, including depleting resources, expensive raw materials, energy-intensive processes, and severe environmental impacts. Research in renewable bioproducts is crucial for addressing these issues. However, renewable bioproducts are still not competitive with petroleum-based products. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to minimize energy and material input during the processing and maximize product value without compromising environmental health.

• What interests you the most in leading the research initiative on waste valorization in food-energy-water? Why is your initiative important to the development of Georgia Tech’s renewable bioproducts research strategy?

I am interested in valorizing low-cost and underutilized biomass waste (lignocellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, etc.) into value-added functional products for applications in the food, water, and energy sectors, such as bio-based membranes for contaminant removal and detection. My initiative aims to build connections among multidisciplinary experts from chemical engineering, environmental engineering, agricultural engineering, industrial and systems engineering, and other fields. Polymer chemistry, nanotechnology, and data science all play roles in achieving our goal. My research topic aligns very well with RBI’s central strategic research areas, including the development of a bioeconomy, industrial decarbonization, and sustainable development goals.

• What are the broader global and social benefits of the research you and your team conduct on waste valorization in food-energy-water initiative?

We work on increasing the value of bio-based waste for bioproducts to provide clean water, improve food security, and minimize energy input. First, this promotes the efficient use of biomass resources and minimizes waste generation to form a circular economy. Second, it contributes to industrial decarbonization by providing alternative, renewable sources of energy and materials. Third, the utilization of bio-based waste supports several aspects of sustainable development by simultaneously addressing challenges such as waste variability, technological limitations, and economic viability.

• What are your plans for engaging a wider Georgia Tech faculty pool with the broader renewable bioproducts community?

I plan to leverage symposia from RBI and other sources, as well as existing sustainable centers like the Brook Byers Institute for Sustainable Systems, social events, and established networks. Additionally, I will reach out to other faculty through collaborations on integrated proposals from RBI and external sources.

• What are your hobbies?

In my leisure time, I enjoy baking and cooking. I also enjoy traveling with my family.

• Who has influenced you the most?

I have been influenced by several of my professors during my undergraduate and graduate studies and my first department chair at the University of Florida. Their continuous encouragement and support have been instrumental in shaping my academic career in sustainable chemistry and engineering.