Brief Biographical Sketch:

Zhiling (Zach) Zheng is currently a postdoctoral researcher at MIT, specializing in Chemical Engineering. With a rich academic background, Zheng obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2023, after completing undergraduate studies at Cornell University. Zach's research focuses on the synthesis of metal-organic frameworks for capturing water from the air—a new approach addressing water scarcity in arid regions. Furthermore, Zach is exploring the use of artificial intelligence in scientific research, notably employing tools like ChatGPT for literature reviews and automating tasks in laboratories.

Zach's passion for teaching and mentorship dates back to their undergraduate days, having tutored introductory courses in Chemistry and Physics at Cornell University. This commitment to education continued through graduate studies, where he taught Organic Chemistry labs for two years, further enriching students' learning experiences. Beyond academia, Zheng is an avid volunteer, participating in science outreach activities such as Expanding Your Horizon, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists.

An enthusiastic hiker and photographer, Zach has explored and documented over 50 national parks across the United States, capturing the stunning diversity of landscapes through both camera and drone. In addition, he likes cooking and playing board games during his spare time.

Past Classes