Materials Scientist
Materials Scientist

Biography

Shuai Zhang is a materials scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and an affiliate faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Washington. His research focuses on designing biomolecular materials through assembly mechanisms, with particular emphasis on elucidating the principles governing assembly dynamics, structures, hierarchies, and associated properties using cutting-edge in situ/operando scanning probe microscopy. He also leads investigations in mineralization, surface sciences, and microelectronics, with applications in energy technologies and computing. He also leads research in AI-enhanced materials synthesis and operando characterization, as well as developing an AI-driven ecosystem for microelectronics. He received his PhD from Aarhus University in Denmark, where he was awarded the Danish Academy of Natural Sciences PhD Prize. His doctoral research focused on understanding amyloid assembly using atomic force microscopy-based nanomechanical mapping. Throughout his career, Zhang has gained extensive experience in materials science, biophysics, and nanotechnology, developing a highly interdisciplinary approach to the rational design and synthesis of biomimetic materials. Zhang has published more than 85 papers. 

Research Interests

  • Scanning probe microscopy
  • Atomic force microscopy
  • Biomolecular materials
  • Automated synthesis and characterization
  • 2D van der Waals materials
  • Microelectronics
  • Surface science
  • Crystallization

Education

  • PhD in nanoscience, Aarhus University, Denmark
  • BS in materials chemistry, Jilin University, China

Affiliations and Professional Service

  • Affiliate Faculty, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington
  • Affiliate Faculty, Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington
  • Affiliate Faculty, Clean Energy Institute, University of Washington
  • Materials Research Society
  • American Chemical Society

Awards and Recognitions

  • PNNL Pathway to Excellence Award, 2025
  • Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Science & Engineering Rising Leaders Journey 10th cohort, 2025 
  • Best Paper Award, the Mineralized Tissue Group of the International Association for Dental Research, 2024 
  • Outstanding Performance Award, PNNL, 2017, 2019
  • Best Poster Award, 26th American Association for Crystal Growth's Western Section Conference on Crystal Growth & Epitaxy, 2018
  • PhD prize, Danish Academy of Natural Sciences (one winner per year), 2014
  • The International Travel Award, 58th Biophysical Society Annual Meeting, 2014
  • Chinese Government Award for Outstanding Self-financed Students Abroad, 2013
  • Scholarship, the 21st International Materials Research Congress, 2012
  • Poster award, Bruker Nordic Scanning Probe Microscopy Conference and User Meeting, 2012
  • State Educational Support Grant (Statens Uddannelsesstøtte) scholarship, Aarhus University, Denmark, 2010–2012
  • Graduate fellowship, Aarhus University, Denmark, 2009–2010

Publications

2026

  • Schmid S.Y., B. Helfrecht, A. Stegmann, B.A. Legg, H. Pyles, J. Chen, J.R. Edison, M. Ziatdinov, Z. Preisler, O. Dollar, S. Whitelam, S. Kalinin, D. Baker, C.J. Mundy, S. Zhang, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2026. “Impact of solvent forces and broken symmetry on the assembly of designed proteins at a liquid-solid interface,” Nature Communications, PNNL-SA-205626, doi: 10.1038/s41467-026-69170-0
  • Boamah M.D., Z. Molnar, H. Park, M.T. Nguyen, E.K. BaconGershman, E.A. Quimada Mondarte, D.T. Nguyen, M. Bowden, S. Zhang, K. C. Thangaraj, A. Ritchhart, B.A. Legg, Z. Wang, B. Cossairt, K.M. Rosso, M.L. Sushko, and E. Nakouzi. 2026. “Magnetic Fields Affect Hydroxyl Structure at the Interface of Water and Dysprosium-Treated Alumina,” ChemRxiv, PNNL-SA-224024
  • Kwon P.S., X. Li, L.T. Yu, H. Pyles, TH. Lewis, C. Weidle, A.J. Borst, C.C. Bodinger, A. Kang, H. Nguyen, J. Mendoza, K.D. Carr, B. Coventry, Y. Hsia, Z. Molnár, D. Li, B. Zhang, B.M. Cossairt, S. Zhang, A.K. Bera, J.J. De Yoreo, and D. Baker. 2026., “Controlling metal-carbonate phase, form, and function through de novo protein design,” BioRxiv, 2026, PNNL-SA-224108
  • Quimada Mondarte E.A., B. Hao, A.B. Bard, M. Zhang, P. Chakma, Y. Bae, S. Zhang, B. Ginovska, J.J. De Yoreo, J. Tao, and C.-L. Chen. 2026. “Promotion of CaCO3 Nucleation by Carboxyl- and Amine-Terminated Peptoid Nanotubes,” Langmuir, PNNL-SA-219148. Doi: 10.1021/acs.langmuir.5c06875
  • Xia Y., S. Kim, M. Zhang, Y. Lin, S. Zhang, Y. Zhao, J. Liu, S. Jin, H. Heinz, W. Im, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2026. “Substrate-Directed Dimensional and Phase Control of Peptide Assemblies on Two-Dimensional van der Waals Materials,” Journal of the American Chemical Society, PNNL-SA-218489. doi: 10.1021/jacs.5c20322
  • Du J.S., S. Banik, L. Yao, S. Zhang, S.K.R.S. Sankaranarayanan, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2026. “Sub-1-Angstrom-Resolution Imaging Reveals Phase Contrast Transition in Ice Ih Caused by Basal Stacking Faults,” arXiv, PNNL-SA-220011
  • Zheng R., M. Zhao, W. Zhou, T.K.H. Trinh, S. Zhang, J.J. De Yoreo, A.L. Ferguson, and C.-L. Chen. 2026. “Polymorphism in Self-Assembly of Short Peptoid Sequences,” Polymer Science & Technology, PNNL-SA-216788. Doi: 10.1021/polymscitech.5c00123
  • Yu L.T., H. Pyles, X. Li, A.J. Borst, N.P. Bethel, P.S. Kwon, C. Weidle, R.D. Kibler, K.D. Carr, Y. Liu, S. Moroz, S. Zhang, J.J. De Yoreo, and D. Baker. 2026. “Templating and confining calcium phosphate mineralization within designed protein assemblies,” bioRxiv, PNNL-SA-219688

2025

  • Zhou W., B. Hao, T.K.H. Trinh, Z. Lin, A.Y. Heble, J. Chen, J.J. De Yoreo, J. Liu, C.-L. Chen, and S. Zhang. 2025. “Tuning Molecular Interactions between Peptoids and Substrates to Achieve Surface-Agnostic Coating,” ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, PNNL-SA-215625. Doi: 10.1021/acsami.5c18457
  • Zhang S., H. Pyles, D. Baker, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2025. “Designing protein–material interfaces,” MRS Bulletin, PNNL-SA-212650. doi: 10.1557/s43577-025-01008-4
  • Ricchiuti G., Z. Fox, B. Palmer, M. Dinpajooh, I. Jayalath, Y. Huang, S. Zhang, E. Mondarte, G.E. Johnson, A.G. Joly, J. Chun, K. Crampton, and V. Prabhakaran. 2025. “Localized magnetic field gradients accelerate ion enrichment and formation of electrochemical potentials for critical metal separation,” Separation and Purification Technology, PNNL-SA-213241. doi: 10.1016/j.seppur.2025.136148
  • Saragovi A., H. Pyles, T.F. Huddy, W. Dai, X. Li, A.J. Borst, N. Hanikel, A. Courbet, P. Kwon, F.A. Dávila-Hernández, R. Kibler, D.K. Vafeados, A. Allen, K.D. Carr, A.K. Bera, A. Kang, E. Brackenbrough, S. Schmid, Y. Bae, L. Stewart, S. Zhang, J.J. De Yoreo, and D. Baker. 2025. “De novo design of metal-oxide templating proteins,” bioRxiv, 2025, PNNL-SA-215648
  • Shi C., H. Shen, Y. Bae, J. Heo, S. Zhang, L. Yao, D. Baker, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2025. “The Anisotropic Adsorption of De Novo Allosteric Two-Component Protein Fibers on Mica Surfaces,” Advanced Functional Materials, PNNL-SA-215200, doi: 10.1002/adfm.202520864
  • Saraswat M., P. Chakma, S. Zhang, E.A. Quimada Mondarte, C.-L. Chen, and A. Noy. 2025. “Ion Transport in Self-Assembled Peptoid Membranes with Carbon Nanotube Porin Channels,” Nano Letters, PNNL-SA-215673. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.5c04253
  • Teng F., H. Zhang, D. Nykypanchuk, R. Li, L. Yang, N. Tiwale, and Z. Xi, et al. 2025. "Macroscale-Area Patterning of Three-Dimensional DNA-Programmable Frameworks." Nature Communications 16:Art. No. 3238. PNNL-SA-207274. doi:10.1038/s41467-025-58422-0

2024

  • Du J., X. Qi, S.E. Seo, S. Zhang, and B.J. Olaf. 2024. "Crystallization and Assembly at Interfaces: Celebrating the Achievements of a Vibrant Research Community." MRS Advances 9, no. 13:1037-1038. PNNL-ACT-SA-10865. doi:10.1557/s43580-024-00922-0
  • Mandai A., K. Liao, H. Lyer, J. Lin, X. Li, S. Zhang, and E. Roumeli. 2024. "Insights into controlling bacterial cellulose nanofiber film properties through balancing thermodynamic interactions and colloidal dynamics." Molecular Systems Design and Engineering 9, no. 10:1036-1050. PNNL-SA-199187. doi:10.1039/D4ME00058G
  • Shi C., A.Y. Heble, and S. Zhang. 2024. "Multiparametric AFM Insights into Electron Transport Mechanisms in Biomemristors." Materials Today Physics 44, no. _:Art. No.101429. PNNL-SA-194964. doi:10.1016/j.mtphys.2024.101429
  • Shi C., M. Zorman, X. Zhao, M. Salmeron, J. Pfaendtner, X. Liu, and S. Zhang, et al. 2024. "Two-dimensional silk." Science Advances 10, no. 38:Art No. eado4142. PNNL-SA-193549. doi:10.1126/sciadv.ado4142
  • Stegmann A., B.A. Legg, J.J. De Yoreo, and S. Zhang. 2024. "Machine learning-driven descriptions of protein dynamics at solid-liquid interfaces." In Machine learning and artificial intelligence in chemical and biological sensing, edited by J.Y. Yoon and C. Yu. 321-340. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania:Elsevier Science. PNNL-SA-194353. doi:10.1016/B978-0-443-22001-2.00013-5
  • Yadav Schmid S., X. Ma, J.A. Hammons, S.T. Mergelsberg, B.S. Harris, T.J. Ferron, and W. Yang, et al. 2024. "Influence of Peptoid Sequence on the Mechanisms and Kinetics of 2D Assembly." ACS Nano 18, no. 4:3497-3508. PNNL-SA-192033. doi:10.1021/acsnano.3c10810
  • Zorman M., P. Christian, C. Shi, S. Zhang, J.J. De Yoreo, and J. Pfaendtner. 2024. "Thermodynamic Analysis of Silk Fibroin-Graphene Hybrid Materials and Their Morphology." Journal of Physical Chemistry B 128, no. 10:2371-2380. PNNL-SA-193525. doi:10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c08147

2023

  • Akkineni S., G. Doerk, C. Shi, B. Jin, S. Zhang, S. Habelitz, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2023. "Biomimetic mineral synthesis by nanopatterned supramolecular-block copolymer templates." Nano Letters 23, no. 10:4290-4297. PNNL-SA-184702. doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c00480
  • Alberstein R.G., J.L. Prelesnik, E. Nakouzi, S. Zhang, J.J. De Yoreo, W.J. Pfaendtner, and F.A. Tezcan, et al. 2023. "Discrete orientations of interfacial waters direct crystallization of mica-binding proteins." The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters 14, no. 1:80-87. PNNL-SA-178070. doi:10.1021/acs.jpclett.2c02948

2022

  • Felsted R.G., A. Pant, A. Bard, X. Xia, D. Luntz-Martin, S. Dadras, and S. Zhang, et al. 2022. "Chemically Tunable Aspect Ratio Control and Laser Refrigeration of Hexagonal Sodium Yttrium Fluoride Upconverting Materials." Crystal Growth & Design 22, no. 6:3605-3612. PNNL-SA-172021. doi:10.1021/acs.cgd.1c01174
  • Zhang S., R. Sadre, B.A. Legg, H. Pyles, T. Perciano, E.W. Bethel, and D. Baker, et al. 2022. "Rotational Dynamics and Transition Mechanisms of Surface-Adsorbed Proteins." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 119, no. 16:Art. No. e2020242119. PNNL-SA-171180. doi:10.1073/pnas.2020242119

2021

  • Kalinin S.V., S. Zhang, M. Valleti, H. Pyles, D. Baker, J.J. De Yoreo, and M. Ziatdinov. 2021. "Disentangling Rotational Dynamics and Ordering Transitions in a System of Self-Organizing Protein Nanorods via Rotationally Invariant Latent Representations." ACS Nano 15, no. 4:6471-6480. PNNL-SA-161461. doi:10.1021/acsnano.0c08914
  • Ma J., B. Cai, S. Zhang, T. Jian, J.J. De Yoreo, C. Chen, and F. Baneyx. 2021. "Nanoparticle-Mediated Assembly of Peptoid Nanosheets Functionalized with Solid-Binding Proteins: Designing Heterostructures for Hierarchy." Nano Letters 21, no. 4:1636-1642. PNNL-SA-159754. doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c04285
  • Monahan M.C., B. Cai, T. Jian, S. Zhang, G. Zhu, C. Chen, and J.J. De Yoreo, et al. 2021. "Peptoid-Directed Assembly of CdSe Nanoparticles." Nanoscale 13, no. 2:1273-1282. PNNL-SA-158881. doi:10.1039/D0NR07509D
  • Wang M., Y. Song, S. Zhang, X. Zhang, X. Cai, Y. Lin, and J.J. De Yoreo, et al. 2021. "Programmable two-dimensional nanocrystals assembled from POSS-containing peptoids as efficient artificial light-harvesting systems." Science Advances 7, no. 20:eabg1448. PNNL-SA-154183. doi:10.1126/sciadv.abg1448
  • Zhang S., J. Chen, J. Liu, H. Pyles, D. Baker, C. Chen, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2021. "Engineering Biomolecular Self-Assembly at Solid-Liquid Interfaces." Advanced Materials 33, no. 23:Article No. 1905784. PNNL-SA-153256. doi:10.1002/adma.201905784
  • Ziatdinov M., S. Zhang, O. Dollar, J. Pfaendtner, C.J. Mundy, X. Li, and H. Pyles, et al. 2021. "Quantifying the Dynamics of Protein Self-Organization Using Deep Learning Analysis of Atomic Force Microscopy Data." Nano Letters 21, no. 1:158-165. PNNL-SA-158524. doi:10.1021/acs.nanolett.0c03447

2019

  • Cui W., X. Zhang, C.I. Pearce, Y. Chen, S. Zhang, W. Liu, and M.H. Engelhard, et al. 2019. "Cr(III) adsorption by cluster formation on boehmite nanoplates in highly alkaline solution." Environmental Science & Technology 53, no. 18:11043-11055. PNNL-SA-143650. doi:10.1021/acs.est.9b02693
  • Jiao F., X. Wu, T. Jian, S. Zhang, H. Jin, P. He, and C. Chen, et al. 2019. "Hierarchical Assembly of Peptoid-Based Cylindrical Micelles Exhibiting Efficient Resonance Energy Transfer in Aqueous Solution." Angewandte Chemie International Edition 58, no. 5:12223-12230. PNNL-SA-148211. doi:10.1002/anie.201904598
  • Pyles H., S. Zhang, J.J. De Yoreo, and D. Baker. 2019. "Controlling protein assembly on inorganic crystals through designed protein interfaces." Nature 571, no. 7764:251-256. PNNL-SA-142804. doi:10.1038/s41586-019-1361-6
  • Tuladhar A., Z.A. Jessamy-Chase, M.D. Baer, B.A. Legg, J. Tao, S. Zhang, and A.D. Winkelman, et al. 2019. "Direct Observation of the Orientational Anisotropy of Buried Hydroxyl Groups Inside Muscovite Mica." Journal of the American Chemical Society 141, no. 5:2135-2142. PNNL-SA-140259. doi:10.1021/jacs.8b12483

2018

  • Chen J., E. Zhu, J. Liu, S. Zhang, Z. Lin, X. Duan, and H. Heinz, et al. 2018. "Building Two-Dimensional Materials One Row at a Time: Avoiding the Nucleation Barrier." Science 362, no. 6419:1135-1139. PNNL-SA-139351. doi:10.1126/science.aau4146
  • Jiang Z., S. Zhang, L. Hyldgaard Klausen, J. Song, Q. Li, Z. Wang, and B. Torger Stokke, et al. 2018. "In vitro single-cell dissection revealing the interior structure of cable bacteria." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) 115, no. 34:8517-8522. PNNL-SA-136014. doi:10.1073/pnas.1807562115
  • Liu L., S. Zhang, M.E. Bowden, J. Chaudhuri, and J.J. De Yoreo. 2018. "In Situ TEM and AFM Investigation of Morphological Controls during the Growth of Single Crystal BaWO4." Crystal Growth & Design 18, no. 3:1367-1375. PNNL-SA-132351. doi:10.1021/acs.cgd.7b01216

2017

  • Ma X., S. Zhang, F. Jiao, C.J. Newcomb, Y. Zhang, A. Prakash, and Z. Liao, et al. 2017. "Tuning crystallization pathways through sequence-engineering of biomimetic polymers." Nature Materials 16, no. 7:767-774. PNNL-SA-123850. doi:10.1038/nmat4891