Dr. Wensheng Qin

Ontario Research Chair in Biorefining Research

Dr. Wensheng Qin is an expert in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. He received extensive trainings in Molecular Biology, Biochemistry and Genetic Engineering. Dr. Qin is very interested in (1) how to convert and biorefine biomass to produce value-added bioproducts and biofuels and (2) how to improve biomass production by means of Genetic Engineering.
 
Currently Dr. Qin's group is working on the following projects: (1) Engineering of bacteria and fungi for large scale production of enzymes (Cellulase, Hemicellulase, Lignase) for biomass conversion; (2) Bioconversion of agricultural residues, forest wastes and pulp/paper mill sludge to biofuels (Ethanol and Methane) and bioproducts; (3) Screening of wood-decay microorganisms. Our short-term goal is to discover microorganisms which can at least efficiently degrade one of the three biopolymers (Cellulose, Hemicellulose, Lignin). Our long-term goal is to construct "super" microorganisms by means of Genetic Engineering which can simultaneously effectively degrade all the three biopolymers for biomass conversion and biorefining. We are also working on enzymatic modification and degradation of lignin in paper mill sludge for producing phenolic compounds as chemical industry feedstock; (4) Plant genetic engineering for improving biomass production. We have cloned 53 hyperactive antifreeze protein genes or coding sequences. We are interested in using these genes to generate cold resistant transgenic crops including Canola. As well, we are working on molecular mechanism of plant response to environmental stresses such as low temperature, heavy metal and so on.

For more information about Dr. Qin's group, please visit Dr. Wensheng Qin's Website 

Contact Information: 

Wensheng Qin, Ph. D
Biorefining Research Initiative & Department of Biology
Lakehead University
1294 Balmoral St. Building, Room 3001
955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada

Office: 1294 Balmoral St. Building, Room 3001
Tel: (807) 343 8840
Fax: (807) 346 7796
Email: wqin@lakeheadu.ca

Lab: 1294 Balmoral St. Building, Room 0009
Tel: (807) 766 7112