Abstract
A series of fluorescent nanomaterials have been developed in Dr. Zhao’s group, including silica-based dye-doped nanoparticles, graphene quantum dots, and metal-enhaced fluorescent nanomaterials. The distinct features of these nanomaterials are 1) highly intense and photostable fluorescence signals, 2) tunable fluorescence wavelengths, and 3) low toxicity. Several metallic-based sandwich nanostructures were developed with various shapes and sizes for further enhanced fluorescence. The geometric, compositional, and dimensional effects of these  materials on their fluorescence properties were studied, including fluorescence quantum yield, lifetime and wavelengths. These nanomaterials were applied to biological applications including sensitive detection and imaging of trace analytes, and photothermal therapies. Nanomaterial-based photothermal therapy has shown great potential for efficient cancer treatment. The developed nanohybrids can generate significant amount of heat upon irradiation in the near infrared (NIR) region for inducing thermal cell death. The nanohybrids showed excellent in vitro biocompatibility as a promising hyperthermia agent.

Short Bio
Dr. Jullia Xiaojun Zhao is a full professor in the Department of Chemistry at the University of North Dakota (UND). She has worked in the field of nanoscience and nanotechnology since 2001 when she was a postdoc in the University of Florida. She joined UND Chemistry in 2004. So far, she has authored for more than 80 publications and holds five issued  patents. She was a Principle Investigator for several US National Science Foundation and Department of Defense grants. Dr. Zhao’s research group is focused on the development of various photosensitive nanomaterials and applications of these nanomaterials in biological studies.
1. Educational Background
B.S.,   Analytical Chemistry, Jilin University, China, 1984
Ph.D., Analytical Chemistry, Jilin University, China, 1999
           (advisor: Prof. Qinhan Jin)
Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Florida, 2001—2004
           (advisor: Prof. Weihong Tan)    
2. Professional Experience
2014-present, Professor of Chemistry, University of North Dakota
2009—2014  Associate Professor of Chemistry, University of North Dakota
2004—2009      Assistant Professor of Chemistry, University of North Dakota
2004—present   Full member of the UND Graduate Faculty
1999—2001      Visiting Scholar, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong
1990—1994       Senior Editor, Chemical Journal of Chinese Universities, China
1984—1989       Editor, Chemical Journal of Chinese Universities, China