Dr. Peng Zhang

Associate Professor

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Biography

Peng Zhang received his MSc degree in Biotechnology from Wageningen Agricultural University, Netherlands. His MSc research work mainly involved developing fiber-FISH techniques for physically mapping yeast artificial chromosome clones and pachytene chromosomes in Arabidopsis. He earned his PhD degree in Genetics from Kansas State University, USA. After completing his degree, he worked as a research associate in a laboratory for several years, focused on molecular cytogenetics of wheat and its relatives. He joined the University of Sydney in 2005, where his research involves identifying new resistance sources against rust diseases in wild relatives of wheat and introgressing target resistance genes to develop durable resistant germplasm. His research interests include molecular cytogenetics of cereals, development of germplasm genetic stocks, and the transfer of rust resistance genes from wild species to cereal crops using chromosome engineering and molecular cytogenetic techniques, such as fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). He is also interested in the genetic aspects of rust powdery mildew resistance, as well as the structure and function of cereal centromeres and telomeres, genome evolution in Triticeae, and the evolutionary relationships within the Triticum-Aegilops complex. His research aligns with the Faculty of Science's research strengths in understanding life and earth, cultivating scientific capability, food security, and sustainability.

Research Interests

Experience

Associate Professor

— Present

University of Sydney • Sydney, Australia

Joined the University of Sydney, focusing on research related to wheat resistance sources and gene transfer.

Requirements for University of Sydney

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.3
IELTS
Listening
Required:6
Reading
Required:6
Writing
Required:6
Speaking
Required:6
Overall
Required:6.5
TOEFL
Listening
Required:17
Reading
Required:17
Writing
Required:19
Speaking
Required:17
Total
Required:85
PTE
Listening
Required:54
Reading
Required:54
Writing
Required:54
Speaking
Required:54
Overall
Required:61
Prerequisites
A master's degree with a research component or a bachelor's degree with first or second-class honours. Demonstrated research experience and capability.
Application Checklist
  • Academic transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Research proposal (1000+ words)
  • Two academic referee reports
  • Evidence of residency status
  • Written statement of support from potential supervisor
Specialization Notes

This entry applies to Faculty of Science PhD programs including Departments such as Life and Environmental Sciences, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics and Statistics.