Due to theprevention and control measures of COVID-19, College of Biosystems engineeringand Food Science host a series of online reports to promote the internationalcommunication. On the 10^th of July, 2020, Dr. Shaoqing Cui, anassistant professor in the Center for Renewable Carbon at the University ofTennessee, gave an academic report entitled “Bio-products, InnovativeTechnology and Sustainability”. The event was host by associate professorZhenbo Wei.

Dr. Cui’ s researchexperience covered (1) bio-materials and bio-products derived from renewablecarbon, and (2) sensing materials for gas sensor, publishing over 30 articles,presentations and book chapters. The report included research work, a briefintroduction of the University of Tennessee (UT) and UT Institute ofAgriculture (UTIA), life for international students as well.

Theincreased production of plastics made people rethink about creating newinnovative approaches to produce biodegradable bio-plastics from renewablefeedstocks. Dr. Cui researched on a sustainable platform of CO₂ todevelop new bio-based plastics which aimed at addressing plastic pollutionissues. Materials for sensor was her another research direction. To shortsummary, transforming bio-products or waste to high-value bio-products andbio-materials through novel technology platforms was Dr. Cui’ s long-term goal.Dr. Cui also pointed out that bio-based polyurethane products and bio-chemicalsas well as bio-based plastic products could finally be applied again toagriculture and industry.

Apart fromresearch work, Dr. Cui introduced the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, thelocation of UT, and UTIA with Department of Biosystems Engineering and SoilScience and Department of Food Science, which left the roughly impression aboutthe University of Tennessee to students. At last, Dr. Cui shared some researchtips to students. “Do not afraid of changing yourself. Sometimes changes arechances.” Dr. Cui said. Sharp ideas, professional skills and collaboration wereneeded when you carried out your research.

After report,Dr. Cui had a communication and interaction with students regarding questionson effects by COVID-19 towards students who wanted studying abroad, thedifferences between renewable materials and bio-materials, and developmentprospect about bio-products and bio-based energy. Students all showed gratitudeto Dr. Cui’ s sharing and helping them learn more.