Dr. Li's research and interests include nanofabrication, nanostructure, nanostructured materials/devices, reliability of nanostructures/devices and nanomechanical characterization.
Dr. Li joined the Department of Mechanical Engineering in August 2002 and initiated a unique nanotechnology program with a systems-level focus spanning synthesis of nanomaterials, structural, mechanical and tribological characterization, nanomechanics, integration and manufacturing of nanostructures and nanodevices, biomechanics, and imaging and mechanical testing of cells and tissues. The Nanostructures and Reliability Laboratory is well equipped with state of the art nano instruments such as an atomic force microscope, a nanoindenter, a nanomanipulator, a nanomechanical tester, and a nanomaterials synthesis furnace. The research and education activities have been heavily sponsored by National Science Foundation, Army Research Office, NASA, DOE/National Laboratories, Petroleum Research Fund, Intel, GE Energy, General Motors Cooperation, Westinghouse, South Carolina Space Consortium, and South Carolina EPSCoR office. His publications have been cited over 3,700 times. His publication H-index factor is 30. Nanotechnology concept and research advances have been introduced to graduate and undergraduate students through existing courses such as Engineering Materials - EMCH 371 and Manufacturing Processes - EMCH 377, and developing a new course such as Nanomaterials – EMCH 778. The Nanostructures and Reliability Laboratory has been actively sponsoring graduate and undergraduate students to work on research projects in nanotechnology.