Prof. Yiping Zhao Presents Research at ACS Fall 2025 Meeting in Washington, DC
- Yiping Zhao
- Aug 20
- 2 min read
I was pleased to attend the American Chemical Society (ACS) Fall 2025 National Meeting in Washington, DC (August 17–21, 2025), where I had the opportunity to share recent advances from my group’s research in spectroscopy and sensing.
On August 19, I presented a poster introducing SpectraGuru (For more on our work: SpectraGuru.org), our free and open-source platform designed to unify and accelerate Raman and SERS data analysis for the scientific community. SpectraGuru integrates standardized preprocessing, machine learning–based analytics, and an open, community-driven spectral database, providing a powerful ecosystem for researchers, educators, and developers. The poster highlighted the platform’s reproducible workflows, intuitive web interface, and future directions, including advanced AI integration and Web3DB interoperability.
On August 20, I delivered a talk on “Integrated Raman and SERS Spectroscopy with Machine Learning for Structural and Trace-level Detection of PFAS.” This work addresses the urgent need for sensitive and cost-effective methods to detect per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to serious health and environmental risks. Our research combines DFT simulations, experimental Raman measurements, and SERS detection using Ag nanorod substrates, achieving ppt-level sensitivity. By integrating machine learning, we demonstrated >90% classification accuracy for PFAS differentiation and robust quantitative prediction models. Together, this framework establishes a continuum from theory → validation → trace detection → ML interpretation, offering a promising pathway toward portable, real-world PFAS monitoring systems.
Our recent publications in this area include:
Amit Kumar, Joshua C. Rothstein, Yangxiu Chen, Hong Zhang,and Yiping Zhao, “Experimental Raman spectra analysis of selected PFAS compounds: Comparison with DFT predictions,” Journal of Hazardous Materials 494, 138704 (2025).
Joshua C. Rothstein, Jiaheng Cui, Yanjun Yang, Xianyan Chen, and Yiping Zhao, “Ultra-Sensitive Detection of PFASs using Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering and Machine Learning: A Promising Approach for Environmental Analysis,” Sensors & Diagnostics 3, 1272 - 1284 (2024).
Yangxiu Chen, Yanjun Yang, Jiaheng Cui, Hong Zhang, and Yiping Zhao, “Decoding PFAS contamination via Raman spectroscopy: A combined DFT and machine learning investigation,” J. Harz. Mater. 465, 133260 (2024).
It was exciting to engage with colleagues across disciplines, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations. The ACS meeting continues to be an outstanding platform for advancing science and building community.
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