Dr. Z. Ryan Tian is an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the University of Arkansas. He directs the Nanostructures Lab in the Institute of Nanoscience and Engineering, the Nanomaterials Synthesis Lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, and the R2R Printing Lab in the High Density Electronics Center.

He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry, with a focus in materials and a minor in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, from the University of Connecticut. He also received his B.S. in Chemistry from Fudan University in China. Before joining the University of Arkansas in 2004, he worked in nanosynthesis and interfacial nanoscience at Sandia National Laboratories and also held industry leadership roles at AXT, Inc.

Dr. Tian’s research focuses on interfacial and structural nanochemistry, including the design of nanoparticle-based structures for applications in energy and healthcare. Since 2008, his lab has worked on rechargeable sodium-sulfur and lithium-ion batteries, long-lasting primary mini-batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells in collaboration with industry partners and sponsors in the United States. Dr. Tian’s work has received national and international recognition through scientific organizations, media coverage, and research presentations. He has also contributed to innovation and entrepreneurship through TiFiber, LLC, a University of Arkansas spinoff based on nanofiber technology developed in his lab.

In addition to his research, Dr. Tian has helped establish major nanoscience initiatives and has served in founding and editorial roles for professional organizations and journals. He has contributed to significant grant activity at the University of Arkansas and has published 70 peer-reviewed papers and two book chapters.