He received his BS in chemistry from the University of California, Los Angeles,[citation needed] (Phi Beta Kappa).
[4] He has developed new or improved reaction processes and made many derivatives of polysaccharides, triglycerides, proteins, and agricultural residues.
[5][6] He was a visiting member of technical staff, 1974–1976 at Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey, where he studied polymer oxidation and degradation.
From 1976–1979 he worked as a senior research chemist, Analytical Chemistry Department for GAF Corporation in Wayne, New Jersey.
During his presidential year, he championed the cause of chemistry, emphasizing the importance of innovation, disciplinary growth, sustainability, and digitization.
In 2022 Cheng served as the ACS Immediate Past President and continued his efforts in promoting research, collaboration, and industrial engagements.
[14] He was also active in ACS local sections and technical divisions, serving in various leadership positions for many years.