John Zhengyun Zhao

John Zhengyun Zhao has a diverse range of work experience in the field of chemistry and research. John Zhengyun worked as a Senior Scientist at Evonetix Ltd starting from July 2021. Prior to that, they were a Research Fellow at Durham University from September 2018 to September 2021. During this time, they were involved in an Innovate UK project with Evonetix Ltd, where they synthesized nucleoside 5' triphosphates and derivatives for use as enzyme substrates and conducted kinetic reactions under different conditions.

Before their role at Durham University, John worked as a Principal Research Fellow at Edinburgh Napier University from October 2013 to December 2017. Here, they led a research group focused on chemical modifications of polysaccharides and cellulose nano fibers to produce aerogel materials for various applications. John Zhengyun also applied for grants, published research results, and delivered lectures for engineering and material science students.

Prior to their time at Edinburgh Napier University, John worked as an EPSRC Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham from March 2009 to October 2013. In this role, they synthesized, purified, and characterized DNA and RNA oligonucleotides for various uses. John Zhengyun also studied the electrochemical properties and pairing abilities of modified ferrocene with nucleobases in the context of DNA with PNA.

Before their role at the University of Birmingham, John worked as a BBSRC Research Fellow at the University of Southampton from January 2006 to August 2008. Here, they worked on a BBSRC funded program focused on DNA triplex formation. John Zhengyun synthesized and introduced various Anthraquinone derivatives into DNA as intercalating fluorescent quenchers and stabilizers.

Additionally, John has experience as a Research Fellow at the University of Dundee from July 1998 to December 2005, where they worked on Cancer Research UK funded projects related to nucleic acid structure and function. John Zhengyun'swork involved synthesizing RNA oligonucleotides and incorporating modifications such as fluorescent labels and modified bases.

Before their time at the University of Dundee, John worked as a Nucleic Acid Chemist at CRUACHEM LIMITED from August 1996 to June 1998. In this role, they developed procedures and processes for the large-scale production of nucleoside and related products. John Zhengyun also researched and developed cost-effective products such as fluorescence dyes and modified RNA phosphoramidite monomers.

Furthermore, John has experience as a NIH Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of Colorado Boulder from August 1993 to August 1996. Here, they synthesized a 5'-deoxy-5'-methylidine phosphonate-linked di-nucleotide and studied its nuclease resistance and base pairing with RNA sequences for antisense applications.

Overall, John Zhao's work experience showcases their expertise in synthesizing nucleic acids, conducting research in DNA and RNA modifications, and leading research groups.

John Zhengyun Zhao obtained a Ph.D in Chemistry from King's College London between the years 1989 and 1993.