Dr. Xiao serves as the Director for Energy, Environment and Sustainable Systems Sciences, Zhejiang University – University of Illinois Joint Institute (ZJUI). He also directs the Zhejiang University (Ninghai) Joint Research Center for Bio-Based Materials and Carbon Neutral Development. Prof. Xiao received B.Eng. degree from Tianjin University, in 1982, M.Eng. and Dr.Eng. degrees from Kyushu University, in 1986 and 1989, respectively. Xiao’s professional and academic experiences include research engineer at the Aoki Corp., Tokyo, Japan, Post-doc, lecturer and assistant scientist at University of California, San Diego, tenured full professor and research professor at University of Southern California. He was previously the Dean of the Civil Engineering Colleges at the Nanjing Tech University, and the Hunan University, where he practiced his academic principles of “Respect for academic freedom; Cultivate outstanding talents; Serve the country and society; Conduct world-class research”. He is elected fellows of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and American Concrete Institute (ACI). He holds a Professional Engineer license in California. Xiao is an expert in structural engineering, and has made well known contributions in areas related to concrete, hybrid and composite structures, applications of advanced composites, retrofit/repair of structures, impact effects, and large-scale experimentation, etc. His recent academic and industrial development efforts are focused on developing modern bamboo and bio-based materials and structures with the goal of promoting eco-friendly construction for carbon neutral development. Xiao has published many widely cited papers, with the H-index exceeding 40, and serves on editorial boards of several leading academic journals. He holds many patents and the award-winning technology GluBam.