Zhen received his B.S. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from Qingdao University and M.S. degree in Macromolecular Science and Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He is now pursuing a Ph.D. in Material Science and Engineering at TAMU. He joined the Thomas Group in Spring 2020 and is working on laser-induced projectile impact test (LIPIT) project using dynamic covalent polymer networks. His research of interest includes novel materials under extreme condition (high strain rate deformations) as well as structure, dynamics, mechanics of polymer networks.