Zhang's research interests are centered on two main areas: 1) refine our understanding of the global carbon cycle and its impact on the Earth surface system, especially under periods of climatic perturbations, and 2) natural clustering of minerals and explore the co-evolution of the geo- and biospheres. His research expertise includes large-scale geospatial data analysis, numerical modeling, and high-performance computing, machine learning and Geological application development.    His research broadly uses data-driven and model-driven approaches to understanding the globall carbon and biogeochemical cycle, as well as the co-evolution of the geo- and biospheres through Earth's history. At EPL, Zhang worked with Bob Hazen on cluster analysis of pyrite.