Posted on July 31, 2026 by Klesse College Staff
The Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design at The University of Texas at San Antonio is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jie Zheng as interim chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, effective immediately.
Zheng is a Regent Distinguished Research Professor who joined UT San Antonio in 2025 through the university's cluster-hire initiative. He brings decades of leadership in engineering education and internationally recognized expertise in biomaterials and biomedical engineering. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for the department as the integrated university continues to expand opportunities for collaboration with UT Health San Antonio, particularly in biomedical research, translational medicine and engineering-driven healthcare innovation.
He earned a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering from Zhejiang University in China and a doctoral degree in chemical engineering from the University of Washington. Following a research appointment at the National Cancer Institute, Zheng joined the University of Akron in 2007, where he progressed from assistant professor to professor and later served as department chair before joining UT San Antonio.
His research focuses on the design and development of bioinspired, biofunctional and biomimetic materials for applications in engineering and biomedicine. Zheng has authored more than 300 peer-reviewed journal articles and has been recognized among the world's top 2% most-cited scientists. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, reflecting his significant contributions to research and innovation in the field.
"Since joining UT San Antonio through the university's cluster-hire initiative one year ago, I have witnessed the strong upward trajectory of the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, along with the broader growth of the college and university," Zheng said. "BME/CHEME is a strong and collegial department, and I am honored to serve as interim chair. I look forward to sustaining the department's momentum and collegial culture, supporting excellence in research and education, and working together to better serve our students, faculty and staff."
As interim chair, Zheng will lead the department's continued efforts to advance excellence in teaching, research and student success while building upon its growing reputation for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration.
— Klesse College Staff
