AI Circular Economy Laboratory
Research Field
Dr. Yoong Kit Leong, an accomplished Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering at Tunghai University, Taiwan, is a passionate and innovative researcher with a distinguished academic and professional trajectory. Graduating with a B.S. degree in 2013 and a Ph.D. in 2018 from the prestigious University of Nottingham, Dr. Leong has established himself as a dedicated researchers in groundbreaking fields, including Circular Economy, Net-Zero Carbon Technology, Microalgal Biotechnology, Biorefinery, Green Biofuels, and Biohydrogen Technology.
His remarkable scholarly achievements are highlighted by an outstanding record of over 80 peer-reviewed publications in high-impact SCI-indexed journals within five years, reflecting his cutting-edge contributions to biochemical technology, renewable bioenergy, wastewater treatment, and microalgal innovation. With an exceptional H-index of 36 and an i-10 index of 60, Dr. Leong’s work has left a profound impact, garnering international recognition and shaping the future of sustainable technologies.
A testament to his global influence, Dr. Leong was honored in both 2023-2025 as one of Stanford University’s World Top 2% Scientists, solidifying his position as a luminary in advancing science and innovation for a sustainable future.
AI Circular Economy Laboratory welcomes interested international students in doing internship at Tunghai University. Our main research interest is to develop net-zero carbon emission biotechnology, including i) microalgal and co-culture biorefinery platform (protein, lipids, pigments, bioactive ingredients, etc.), ii) renewable bioenergy production (biodiesel, biohydrogen, biomethane, etc.), and iii) waste stream/byproducts valorization to value-added product.
Innovative microalgal biotechnology and biorefinery strategies for advancing circular economy principles, achieving net-zero carbon goals, and developing sustainable green biofuels and biohydrogen energy technologies.
Dr. Yoong Kit Leong has published more than 80 peer-reviewed SCI international journal papers in the fields of biochemical technology, microalgal biotechnology, renewable bioenergy, and wastewater treatment. His research works have been highly recognized, reflected by an H-index of 36 and an i10-index of 60. He has published in several high-impact and internationally reputable journals, including Bioresource Technology (IF ≈ 9.0), Trends in Plant Science (IF ≈ 20.8), Trends in Food Science & Technology (IF ≈ 15.4), Carbohydrate Polymers (IF ≈ 12.5), and Chemical Engineering Journal (IF ≈ 13.2). In recognition of his outstanding scientific contributions, he was listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford University for 2023–2025.
MEng, Chemical Engineering, University of Nottingham
Ph.D., Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham
Job Description
Interns will be involved in one or more of the following research activities, depending on background and project needs:
Cultivation and optimization of microalgae, bacteria, and fungi under autotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic conditions
Development and operation of microalgal–microbial co-culture and symbiotic systems
Investigation of carbon fixation efficiency, photosynthetic performance, and metabolic regulation
Experimental studies on biohydrogen, biomethane, and biofuel-related pathways
Extraction and analysis of high-value bioproducts (e.g., pigments, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates)
Application of bioprocess intensification strategies, such as electrical stimulation, light regulation, or nutrient modulation
Monitoring key parameters including biomass growth, pH, ORP, gas composition, and metabolite profiles
Data analysis, visualization, and interpretation of experimental results
Preparation of technical reports, presentations, and research summaries
Participation in group meetings, seminars, and collaborative research discussions
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Master or PhD students
Skill sets or Qualities
Background in chemical engineering, biotechnology, and related-fields
Job Description
Interns will be involved in one or more of the following research activities, depending on background and project needs:
Cultivation and optimization of microalgae, bacteria, and fungi under autotrophic, mixotrophic, and heterotrophic conditions
Development and operation of microalgal–microbial co-culture and symbiotic systems
Investigation of carbon fixation efficiency, photosynthetic performance, and metabolic regulation
Experimental studies on biohydrogen, biomethane, and biofuel-related pathways
Extraction and analysis of high-value bioproducts (e.g., pigments, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates)
Application of bioprocess intensification strategies, such as electrical stimulation, light regulation, or nutrient modulation
Monitoring key parameters including biomass growth, pH, ORP, gas composition, and metabolite profiles
Data analysis, visualization, and interpretation of experimental results
Preparation of technical reports, presentations, and research summaries
Participation in group meetings, seminars, and collaborative research discussions
Preferred Intern Educational Level
Master or PhD students
Skill sets or Qualities
Chemical engineering, biochemical engineering, biotechnology, and related fields