Prof. Zhang works on solar physics, heliospheric physics and space weather. He studies the physical mechanism that generates solar storms, i.e., flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs). He also studies the magnetic evolution of solar active regions and how the evolution leads to energy buildup, instability, and eruption. His research also addresses propagation and evolution of CMEs in the interplanetary space. He also puts effort into transforming these research activities into tools for predicting solar flares and Earth-impact of CMEs.

His work serves the practical purpose of making advanced space weather prediction that can mitigate adverse space weather effects on human space exploration, satellites, communication, and navigation. He has authored and co-authored more than 100 refereed journal articles and two edited books, and generated more than 4000 citations. He is one of the co-founders of the space weather research and education program at GMU, which was started in 2003. He is a recipient of National Science Foundation (NSF) Early CAREER award (2008) in the US and an elected Kavli Fellow (2011). He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Astronomy from Nanjing University, China in 1990, and obtained his PHD in Astrophysics from University of Maryland, College Park in 1999.