EMSL’s Ying Zhu Named to Top 40 under 40 list

Ying Zhu, a chemist with the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), was named among the top 40 researchers in analytical science under the age of 40 as part of the “Power List” by The Analytical Scientist. 

Zhu works in the instrument development lab at EMSL, as well as closely with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s integrative omics group in the Biological Sciences Division. His work focuses on developing ultrasensitive microfluidics, mass spectrometry technologies, and instrumentation to measure small amounts of biological samples down to single cells. 

Earlier this year, Zhu was selected as an R&D finalist by R&D Magazine for co-inventing the Nanodroplet Processing in One Pot for Trace Samples (nanoPOTS). The platform combines microfluidics, robotics, and ultrasensitive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry systems to measure protein expression in single cells. 

“I am a technology-driven researcher,” he said. “I am always exploring the use of new engineering approaches for chemical measurement … I am proud not only that we developed the proof-of-concept technology, but also that we are continuing to improve it and applying it in many scientific areas, such as single-cell proteomics, spatial proteomics, and single-cell multiomics.” 

Zhu said he is excited to be included in The Analytical Scientist’s Power List, which recognizes rising stars in analytical science who are anticipated to provide answers to the 21st century’s largest questions. 

“The list includes so many talented young analytical scientists in the world,” he said. “It is a huge honor.” 

In addition to his various inventions, Zhu has published more than 75 papers in peer-reviewed journals and has been cited more than 3,500 times. Additionally, he has mentored a variety of students and early career scientists ranging from graduate students to those in their first few years as professional scientists. He said he enjoys helping the next generation of scientists discover their passions, find new pathways for success, and learn from their challenges. 

“It is interesting to see how everyone fixes problems using their own unique way,” he said. “Scientific research is hard. Most of the time we will fail, become frustrated, and lose direction. As a mentor, the most important thing is to support those you are mentoring with your experience, encourage them, and partner with them when going through challenges.” 

In his own career, Zhu said he always explored the use of new engineering approaches for chemical measurement and has had opportunities to work in several different laboratories, which brought a variety of learning experiences where he could grow his foundational knowledge and skill sets.  

When looking toward the future of his research and career, Zhu said he aims to explore how he can use his expertise to help in the development of new medicines and to understand the origin of many diseases. 

View the full article on Ying Zhu in The Analytical Scientist at theanalyticalscientist.com/power-list/2022/ying-zhu.