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Assistant Professor
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Dr. Zhao is currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She obtained her PhD in Food & Nutritional Sciences from The University of Hong Kong in 2016 before joining Rutgers University for her postdoctoral training under the New Use Agriculture and Natural Plant Products Program (NUANPP). Her diverse background in chemistry, microbiology and nutritional sciences allow her to lead or contribute to multiple NIH-funded projects. She has a keen interest in the interactions between phytochemicals/medicinal herbs and gut microbiota, the identification of tissue-specific exposure biomarkers, and the novel approaches to extend bioefficacy of the poorly bioavailable phytochemicals (especially polyphenols). Current research focus also includes high-throughput LC/MS-based metabolomics method development for elucidating microbial responses to phytochemicals and host-drug-microbiota interactions in animal models and human cohorts.