Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, China
👨🎓Profiles
🎓 Early Academic Pursuits
Zi-Bo Li embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in geochemistry and resource exploration engineering. He earned his Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Resource Exploration Engineering from the Changchun Institute of Technology in 2009. His passion for geobiology and planetary sciences led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Geochemistry at the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University (2009–2016). As part of his doctoral research, he expanded his expertise through an international visiting student position at George Washington University and the National Museum of Natural History, USA (2013).
💼 Professional Endeavors
With a dedication to advancing the fields of astrobiology and geobiology, Dr. Li has held various prestigious positions:
Associate Researcher (2022–Present) at the Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Associate Researcher (2019–2022) at the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University
Postdoctoral Researcher (2016–2019) at the School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, Nanjing University
His career trajectory reflects his continuous engagement in cutting-edge research, focusing on microbe-mineral interactions and planetary habitability.
🔬 Contributions and Research Focus
Dr. Li’s research is at the intersection of astrobiology, geobiology, and geochemistry, with a strong emphasis on:
Microbe-mineral interactions – Investigating how microorganisms contribute to mineral dissolution, transformation, and formation in extreme environments.
Planetary habitability and extraterrestrial biosignatures – Studying microbial activity to understand the potential for life on Mars and other planetary bodies.
Geomicrobiology and continental weathering – Exploring the role of microorganisms in shaping Earth’s geological and chemical evolution.
Co-evolution of microorganisms and minerals – Understanding the fundamental relationships between biology and geochemical processes in the rock record.
His work provides significant insights into both Earth’s ancient biosphere and the potential for life beyond Earth.
🌍 Impact and Influence
Dr. Li’s research has received widespread recognition, with multiple high-impact publications in leading scientific journals, including: Geology, Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta (3 papers), Geophysical Research Letters, Chemical Geology, His studies have been highlighted in Science News and the American Geophysical Union’s EOS, as well as incorporated into textbooks and monographs, reflecting their significance in the scientific community.
📖 Academic Citations and Publications
Dr. Li’s work has made a substantial impact in the academic world, with numerous citations and highly regarded publications. As a first or corresponding author, he has contributed to fundamental advancements in astrobiology and geobiology. His findings provide essential data for understanding both Earth’s past microbial activity and future planetary explorations.
🛠️ Technical Skills
Dr. Li has extensive expertise in geochemical and microbiological analytical techniques, including:
- Stable isotope analysis
- Synchrotron radiation-based spectroscopy
- Electron microscopy
- Microbial cultivation in extreme environments
- Mineral dissolution and transformation studies
His technical capabilities enable him to conduct high-precision experiments to study microbial influences on planetary surfaces and subsurface environments.
🎓 Teaching and Mentorship
As a doctoral supervisor, Dr. Li plays a critical role in training the next generation of geobiologists and astrobiologists. His mentorship has guided students in experimental research, field studies, and interdisciplinary investigations, fostering new talent in planetary and geological sciences.
🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions
Dr. Li’s work continues to push the boundaries of astrobiology, planetary geochemistry, and geomicrobiology. His research is paving the way for:
Enhanced understanding of extraterrestrial life potential through microbial-mineral studies.
New insights into Earth’s ancient biosphere and its role in shaping planetary conditions.
Advancements in space exploration by identifying potential biosignatures on Mars and beyond.
His contributions will undoubtedly influence future missions seeking signs of life in the universe and deepen our understanding of the relationship between life and minerals.
📖Notable Publications
Cellular dissolution at hypha-and spore-mineral interfaces revealing unrecognized mechanisms and scales of fungal weathering
- Authors: Z. Li, L. Liu, J. Chen, H.H. Teng
- Journal: Geology
- Year: 2016
2️⃣ Geochemical behavior and potential health risk of heavy metals in basalt-derived agricultural soil and crops: A case study from Xuyi County, eastern China
- Authors: J.C. Haoxian Wang, Xuming Li, Yang Chen, Zibo Li, David William Hedding, et al.
- Journal: Science of the Total Environment
- Year: 2020
3️⃣ Specificity of low molecular weight organic acids on the release of elements from lizardite during fungal weathering
- Authors: Z. Li, X. Lu, H.H. Teng, Y. Chen, L. Zhao, J. Ji, J. Chen, L. Liu
- Journal: Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta
- Year: 2019
4️⃣ Bioleaching of lizardite by magnesium-and nickel-resistant fungal isolate from serpentinite soils—implication for carbon capture and storage
- Authors: Z. Li, J. Xu, H.H. Teng, L. Liu, J. Chen, Y. Chen, L. Zhao, J. Ji
- Journal: Geomicrobiology Journal
- Year: 2015
5️⃣ Microbially Induced Magnesium Carbonate Precipitation and its Potential Application in Combating Desertification
- Authors: M. Zhang, L. Zhao, G.K. Li, C. Zhu, S. Dong, Z. Li, C. Tang, J.J. Ji, J. Chen
- Journal: Geomicrobiology Journal
- Year: 2021