Student(s): Natalia Castillo, Yanmin Zhen, Antonia Zong
Project: Biodegradation of Water-Soluble Cellulose
Advisor(s): Xuanhong Cheng
Abstract
Wastewater treatment plants currently lack the means to fully process water-soluble polymers (WSPs). This project aims to analyze how a WSP, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), is degraded by bacteria under various parameters and conditions. Two microbial strains, Cellulomonas flavigena and Rhodococcus aetherivorans, are used as biodegraders. By analyzing bacterial growth and CMC degradation, this study provides insights into the development of improved biodegradation strategies for WSPs in wastewater treatment systems.
About Natalia Castillo
Major: Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Natalia is a third-year chemical engineering student at Lehigh University. She joined Professor Cheng’s lab in her freshman year through the STEM-SI program under the mentorship of PhD student Praneetha Pulyala. Her research aims to establish a relationship between bacterial enzymes that degrade water-soluble polymers. Beyond the lab, she is a Gryphon in the upperclassman dorms and a Rossin Junior Fellow for the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering. This summer, she will intern at L’Oréal as a Research and Innovation intern in the skincare and makeup department. Castillo is originally from Los Angeles, California, and enjoys baking, attending concerts, and spending time with loved ones.
About Yanmin Zhen
Major: Bioengineering
Yanmin Zhen is a committed bioengineering student with a strong academic foundation and hands-on laboratory experience. Her background includes materials research and SolidWorks-based surgical equipment design, demonstrating an ability to connect engineering principles with real-world applications. Her current research on water-soluble polymer biodegradation focuses on the mechanisms by which two bacterial species degrade carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Outside of the lab, she has developed strong communication skills as a peer tutor, mentoring five to ten students each week and translating complex calculus concepts into clear, understandable lessons. Her volunteer experience at Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Catheterization and Electrophysiology Lab has provided valuable clinical exposure and deepened her understanding of how engineering solutions impact patient care. She is particularly interested in product development.
About Antonia Zong
Major: Bioengineering
Antonia Zong is an undergraduate senior studying bioengineering in the biopharmaceutical track. She joined the Cheng lab group in 2023 and has been participating in experimental research on the biodegradation of water-soluble polymers. Following graduation in May, she will join Roche as a High Throughput Automations intern.