Who Is Feng Zhang? Age, Biography and Wiki
As of 2025, Feng Zhang is 43 years old. He was born in Suzhou, China, and later moved to the United States, where he pursued his education and career in biochemistry. Zhang is best known for his role in the development of the CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing technology, which has revolutionized genetic research. His work has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, cementing his status as a leading scientist in his field.
| Occupation | Scientists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 22, 1981 |
| Age | 44 Years |
| Birth Place | Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | China |
Popularity
Feng Zhang's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Feng Zhang stands at a height of approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and weighs around 160 pounds (73 kg). His fit physique complements his active lifestyle as a researcher and public speaker. While specific measurements are not publicly disclosed, Zhang maintains a healthy and professional appearance.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Zhang is known to be private about his personal life, but as of 2025, he is reportedly in a long-term relationship with a fellow scientist. They have been seen together at various scientific conventions and events, showcasing a strong bond built on mutual interests. While they have not publicly announced plans for marriage, their relationship appears to be stable and supportive.
Both of his parents were computer programmers in China. At age 11, he moved to Iowa with his mother (his father was not able to join them for several years). He attended Theodore Roosevelt High School and Central Academy in Des Moines, graduating in 2000.
In 1999, he attended the Research Science Institute at MIT, and in 2000 he won 3rd place in the Intel Science Talent Search. He earned his B.A. in chemistry and physics in 2004 from Harvard University, where he worked with Xiaowei Zhuang.
He then received his PhD in chemical and biological engineering from Stanford University in 2009 under the guidance of Karl Deisseroth where he developed the technologies behind optogenetics with Edward Boyden. He served as an independent Junior Fellow in the Harvard Society of Fellows.
Net Worth and Salary
Feng Zhang's net worth is estimated to be around $20 million as of 2025. His wealth is attributed to his successful career in research, including positions at prestigious institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Broad Institute. Additionally, he has been involved in various startups and biotech companies that specialize in genetic research, further contributing to his earnings.
Career, Business and Investments
Zhang's career began with his education at Harvard University, where he received his PhD in neuroscience. His groundbreaking work in CRISPR technology has opened doors to numerous opportunities in the biotech industry. He co-founded several companies, including Editas Medicine, which focuses on developing transformative genome editing therapies. In 2025, he continues to advocate for ethical practices in biogenetics while pursuing his research interests.
Social Network
Feng Zhang maintains an active presence on social media, including platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where he shares insights on scientific developments and engages with the broader research community. He often posts about his recent publications, conferences, and thoughts on the future of gene editing. His social media presence helps him connect with peers as well as the public, fostering a greater understanding of genetic science.
Education
Zhang's academic background is impressive. He completed his undergraduate studies at Shandong University before earning his PhD from Harvard. His education laid the foundation for his innovative work in biochemistry and genetic engineering. As of 2025, he continues to support educational initiatives that promote the understanding of genetics among young students.
Zhang's lab is focused on using synthetic biology to develop technologies for genome and epigenome engineering to study neurobiology. He is a leader in the field of optogenetics, which was named the 2010 "Method of the Year". As a postdoc, he began work on using TAL effectors to control gene transcription.
