Research Assistant Professor - Department of Mechanical, Materials and Aerospace Engineering
Dr. Yihong Li is a distinguished professional in material science and engineering. She earned her Bachelor's degree in environmental engineering and Master's degree in applied chemistry from Beihang University in Beijing, followed by a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University. Dr. Li brings a wealth of industry experience from her roles at Scott Safety (3M) and Electrolux, and since 2019, she has been leading a global engineering team at Microban, focusing on innovative textile functional coatings.
Throughout her career, Dr. Li has been awarded over 10 patents, including innovations in antimicrobial textile coatings and laundry machine apparatus. Her research spans energy generation and storage devices, materials corrosion and degradation, and textile functional coatings. In 2022, she was honored with the AATCC (American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists) Future Leader Award and continues to actively lead the RA 31 antimicrobial committee. Dr. Li's return to academia has infused her research and teaching with valuable industry insights. Her current interests include the application of new solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cell technologies, functional coatings, and the convergence of the textile and energy industries.
Education
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, West Virginia University, 2012
M.S., Applied Chemistry, Beihang University, Beijing, 2008
B.S., Environmental Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, 2005