Dr. Lifen Zhang - Food science - Best Researcher Award

Putian University - China

Author Profile 

ORCID 

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Dr. Lifen Zhang embarked on her academic journey with a strong commitment to the intersection of biological resources and engineering principles. she earned her ph.d. in bioresource science from gifu university, japan, where she was mentored by renowned experts prof. takahisa nishizu and prof. kiyokazu goto. during her doctoral studies, she cultivated expertise in food material structure analysis, laying the groundwork for her interdisciplinary approach that blends engineering with food science. her early academic endeavors also included foundational exposure to power electronics principles applied in food processing systems, particularly in controlled environments such as plant factories.

🏢 Professional endeavors

Dr. Zhang's professional journey spans both china and japan, with research and technical roles at gifu university and nagoya university. since 2014, she has maintained an active collaboration with gifu university as a visiting researcher. she currently serves as an assistant professor at the school of environmental and biological engineering, putian university. her international academic experience has allowed her to apply engineering techniques—including elements of power electronics—to optimize food production environments and energy-efficient systems.

🔬 Contributions and research focus

Dr. Zhang's research focuses on the intersection of food science and sustainable engineering. she has pioneered the use of x-ray μct imaging to study microstructural changes in pasta and spaghetti under varying drying conditions. her work has also examined the effects of texture and gelatinization due to diverse drying methods. in recent years, she has integrated plant factory systems into her research, using hybrid solar and led lighting to enhance plant growth in confined environments. her projects funded by the fujian provincial department of science and Food science technology and the putian municipal government include studies on microcrystalline cellulose to enhance food structure stability. in these areas, she subtly incorporates the control principles of power electronics to regulate environmental conditions for optimized plant and food system performance.

🌍 Impact and influence

Dr. Zhang’s research has significantly contributed to the field of food material science by linking theoretical engineering principles with practical, industrial solutions. her innovative Food science methodologies have enhanced understanding of food microstructures, influencing both academic studies and commercial drying processes. she has presented her work at prestigious global conferences such as icef (greece) and iufost (brazil), where her contributions have been recognized as pivotal for future developments in sustainable food systems. her efforts also highlight how integrated systems—such as those incorporating light-based control through power electronics—can drive innovation in both food science and environmental engineering.

📚 Academic cites and publications

Dr. Zhang has authored multiple high-impact publications in reputable journals including food bioprocess technology and food research international. her research articles are widely cited for Food science their methodological rigor and application relevance. her focus on non-destructive testing, energy-efficient processing, and sustainable growth models continues to shape discourse in food engineering. her integration of imaging technologies and material science with food structure analysis stands as a benchmark for current and future food scientists.

🌱 Legacy and future contributions

Looking forward, dr. Zhang aims to deepen her research into hybrid lighting systems and food structural stability using sustainable materials. she envisions the development of smart plant factory systems that not only optimize energy use but also contribute to urban agricultural solutions. her ongoing commitment to education and mentoring ensures the continuation of her legacy, as she empowers students and colleagues with a blend of engineering and biological expertise. her career is expected to further evolve around sustainable production methods and intelligent food systems.

Notable Publications 

• Title: Effects of different drying conditions on pasta quality
  Author(s): Lifen Zhang
  Journal/Conference: 11th International Congress on Engineering and Food (ICEF11), May 22–26, 2011, Athens, Greece

• Title: Physical, rheological and microstructural properties of whey protein-enriched yoghurt influenced by heating at different pH values
  Author(s): Md. Sultan Mahomud, Nakako Katsuno, Lifen Zhang, Takahisa Nishizu
  Journal: Journal of Food Processing and Preservation

• Title: Measurement of Internal Shrinkage Distribution of Spaghetti during Drying by X-ray μCT
  Author(s): Lifen Zhang
  Journal: Food Research International

• Title: Observation of Spaghetti Shrinkage during Drying by X-ray μCT
  Author(s): Lifen Zhang
  Journal/Conference: 16th IUFoST (International Union of Food Science and Technology), August 5–9, 2012, Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná State, Brazil