Zhengao obtained his Ph.D. from University of California, Santa Barbara, where he finished total synthesis of three natural products under the mentorship of Professor Thomas R. R. Pettus. Then he performed postdoctoral research with Professor Patrick G. Harran at University of California, Los Angeles, and completed the first total synthesis of (+)-marineosin A in 8 steps. In 2019, Zhengao joined FMC Corporation as Global R&D Scientist to work on discovery of novel, safe and cost-effective agrochemicals. In June of 2021, he moved back to LA and joined 1200 Pharma to start new adventure in medicinal chemistry. Zhengao has co-authored approximately ten peer-reviewed publications and patents from his total synthesis and discovery chemistry work.