Zhang’s research interests are in DNA damage caused by chemical carcinogens that are byproducts of fossil combustion that include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The focus of Zhang’s research is on the mechanisms of recognition and processing of DNA lesions by the human nucleotide excision repair system that removes damaged DNA and thus protects the human genome from DNA-damaging exogenous and endogenous reactive chemicals.

Zhang was the recipient of the NYU Henry M. MacCracken Graduate Fellowship.