Yihong Li | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Prof. Yihong Li | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Outstanding Master Supervisor at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, China 

Dr. Yihong Li is a highly accomplished professor in Metallurgical Engineering at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, with a distinguished career dedicated to high-quality steel purification, metallurgical reactor optimization, and the integration of artificial intelligence in metallurgical processes. Born in November 1986, she earned her Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Science and Technology Beijing. A recipient of numerous accolades, Dr. Li serves as Director of the Metallurgical Engineering Practical Teaching Research Association of the Chinese Society of Education and holds key editorial positions with influential journals such as “China Metallurgy” and “Continuous Casting.” Recognized as an Outstanding Communist Party Member and Xingwo Outstanding Contribution Expert, she exemplifies academic leadership and innovation. She has spearheaded six major provincial and national research projects and led several teaching reform initiatives. With over 30 academic publications, including more than 10 indexed in SCI/EI, seven national invention patents, and a co-authored textbook, her contributions to both research and education are profound. Dr. Li’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and academic excellence marks her as a transformative figure in China’s metallurgical field, bridging theoretical exploration with industrial application through collaborative projects and technology transfers.

Professional Profiles

Education 

Dr. Yihong Li’s academic journey reflects a steadfast commitment to metallurgical innovation and academic rigor. She began her formal studies in 2005 at Guizhou University, where she completed her Bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 2009. Demonstrating academic excellence, she was admitted to the University of Science and Technology Beijing, one of China’s foremost institutions in materials science and engineering. There, she pursued her doctoral degree from 2009 to 2015, earning a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering. Her graduate research laid the foundation for her later contributions to high-quality steel purification and reactor process optimization, combining theoretical insight with practical experimentation. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the intricate mechanisms of decarburization and flow behaviors in RH vacuum refining processes, work that has since influenced industrial applications. Throughout her studies, Dr. Li immersed herself in multidisciplinary approaches, drawing from thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, and computational simulation. Her academic path provided both depth in metallurgical science and breadth across engineering problem-solving. This robust educational foundation has been instrumental in enabling her to lead significant research projects and develop innovative teaching models. Dr. Li’s commitment to continuous learning and mentorship is evident through her current role in graduate supervision and curriculum development at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience

Dr. Yihong Li’s professional trajectory is marked by a progressive ascent in academic ranks at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology (TYUST). She joined TYUST in January 2015 as a lecturer, shortly after completing her Ph.D., and quickly distinguished herself through her dedication to research and education. Her outstanding performance led to her promotion to Associate Professor in December 2017, and she attained full Professorship in December 2022. In these roles, Dr. Li has contributed extensively to both teaching and institutional development. She has led core undergraduate and postgraduate courses such as “Metallurgical Transmission Principles,” “Advanced Ferrous Metallurgy,” and “Computer Simulation of Metallurgical Processes,” fostering analytical thinking and applied knowledge among students. In parallel, she has assumed significant research responsibilities, acting as Principal Investigator for numerous national and provincial-level projects, including the National Natural Science Foundation and Shanxi Key R&D programs. Her dual commitment to academic excellence and industrial collaboration is evident in her leadership of five school-enterprise projects. As Director of the Metallurgical Engineering Practical Teaching Research Association, she has been instrumental in promoting experiential learning and educational reform. Dr. Li’s blend of research innovation, teaching excellence, and institutional service reflects her holistic approach to professional growth and impact.

Research Interest

Dr. Yihong Li’s research is anchored in advancing the frontiers of Metallurgical Engineering through a triad of core themes: purification of high-quality steel, optimization of metallurgical reactor systems, and the application of artificial intelligence in metallurgical process control. Her passion lies in exploring the underlying physical and chemical phenomena that govern steelmaking, particularly within the context of RH vacuum refining processes. She is deeply engaged in understanding gas-liquid two-phase flow patterns, decarburization mechanisms, and the control of non-metallic inclusions—all of which are crucial for producing ultra-clean steel. Dr. Li also investigates the complex behavior of bubbles and interfacial mass transfer in metallurgical reactors, contributing to the optimization of reactor geometry and operational parameters. In recent years, she has expanded her research into the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD), data-driven modeling, and AI-based prediction techniques to enhance process stability and quality control. Her interdisciplinary work bridges experimental metallurgy with advanced simulation and intelligent control, promoting innovation that meets modern manufacturing demands. Through collaborations with industry and academia, she strives to develop environmentally sustainable, high-efficiency steel production technologies. Dr. Li’s research not only informs her teaching but also underpins policy and industrial practices in China’s metallurgical landscape.

Research Skills

Dr. Yihong Li possesses a comprehensive skill set that combines deep theoretical expertise with practical technological capabilities in the field of metallurgical engineering. Her core research skills include advanced experimental metallurgy, fluid dynamics simulation, vacuum refining process analysis, and steel inclusion characterization. She is proficient in using computational tools such as ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL Multiphysics, and MATLAB for modeling gas-liquid interactions and heat transfer phenomena in RH vacuum reactors. Additionally, she applies statistical analysis and artificial intelligence techniques—such as neural networks and machine learning algorithms—for process optimization and predictive analytics in steel manufacturing. Dr. Li is adept in metallurgical sample preparation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy, enabling her to evaluate microstructures and inclusion morphologies. Her patent-related skills include innovation management, prototype testing, and patent writing, with seven national invention patents either authorized or under commercialization. She is experienced in collaborative research management, from grant writing and funding acquisition to project supervision and academic publishing. Her ability to integrate scientific theory with industrial relevance has made her a trusted partner in both academic and enterprise collaborations. As a seasoned educator and researcher, Dr. Li also excels in curriculum design, postgraduate mentorship, and interdepartmental coordination for joint training programs.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Yihong Li has been the recipient of numerous accolades recognizing her excellence in research, education, and professional service. Notably, she was honored as a Xingwo Outstanding Contribution Expert, a prestigious title awarded for her impactful research in the metallurgical field and her contributions to teaching reform. In 2022, she was named Outstanding Guest Editor for the journal “Continuous Casting,” underscoring her editorial leadership and academic standing. Dr. Li also serves on the Young Editorial Boards of both “China Metallurgy” and “Continuous Casting,” demonstrating her influence in shaping scholarly discourse. Her recognition as an Outstanding Communist Party Member further reflects her commitment to institutional values and community engagement. Throughout her career, Dr. Li has received institutional and provincial grants for research and teaching innovation, including funding from the National Natural Science Foundation and the Shanxi Key R&D Program. She has led projects selected as exemplary in school-enterprise collaboration and graduate education reform. Her pioneering work has resulted in seven authorized invention patents and one notable scientific achievement transformation. These honors represent not only professional validation but also an acknowledgment of her dedication to fostering innovation, academic excellence, and public service in metallurgical engineering and higher education.

Conclusion

Dr. Yihong Li stands as a distinguished scholar and educator whose contributions to metallurgical engineering have garnered national and institutional recognition. Her career seamlessly blends theoretical research with practical innovation, educational advancement with scientific exploration, and academic leadership with social responsibility. From her foundational education at Guizhou University and the University of Science and Technology Beijing to her current professorship at Taiyuan University of Science and Technology, she has maintained a trajectory of excellence and impact. Dr. Li’s work in high-quality steel purification, reactor design, and AI applications positions her at the forefront of modern metallurgy. Her prolific output—including over 30 published articles, multiple patents, and collaborative textbooks—demonstrates her dedication to knowledge creation and dissemination. Equally commendable is her commitment to student development, as seen in her design of practical teaching models and mentorship in graduate programs. Through her editorial service, research leadership, and institutional reform efforts, Dr. Li continues to shape the future of metallurgical science in China. Her achievements reflect not only technical proficiency but also a passion for sustainable development and academic innovation. As she moves forward, Dr. Li remains dedicated to advancing metallurgical engineering as both a science and a transformative societal force.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: Solvent-free green synthesis of zeolite A from coal fly ash for the removal of Pb²⁺
    Authors: Zhang, Peng; Niu, Yiting; Wang, Yang; Zhang, Pengju; Zhao, Xin
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: Evolution of the solid-liquid interface using a novel hybrid corrosion inhibitor to improve Al-air battery performance
    Authors: Zhang, Peng; Peng, Wei; Miao, Jing; Li, Yihong; Zhang, Pengju
    Year: 2025
    Citations: 1

  3. Title: Enhancing peroxymonosulfate activation for tetracycline degradation using metallurgical iron-containing solid waste: A novel and straightforward high-value utilization process of LT ash
    Authors: Zhang, Peng; Wang, Yang; Peng, Wei; Zhang, Pengju; Zhao, Xin
    Year: 2025

  4. Title: Water Model Study on Alloy Melting and Mixing in RH Refining Process
    Authors: Xu, Zhibo; Chen, Chao; Wang, Jia; Xue, Liqiang; Fan, Jinping
    Year: 2025

Yi Lu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Yi Lu | Material Science | Best Researcher Award

Beijing University of Technology, China

Dr. Yi Lu is a dedicated researcher and academic at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology. With a strong focus on aluminum alloys, Dr. Lu has developed a deep expertise in understanding the intricate relationship between their mechanical properties and microstructure. Over the course of her academic journey, she has been actively involved in a national key research and development project, contributing significantly to the advancement of materials science in China. Dr. Lu has authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles, including four SCI-indexed papers, two of which are published in top-tier SCI1 journals. Her research outputs have garnered six citations to date, reflecting the growing relevance of her work in the scientific community. She has also established international research collaboration with the University of Auckland, further enhancing the global dimension of her academic contributions. Although early in her career, Dr. Lu’s commitment to innovation and excellence positions her as a promising figure in the field. Her work encompasses both theoretical and applied aspects of materials science, with special attention to corrosion behavior, hydrogen embrittlement, and refining processes in aluminum alloys. Driven by a passion for discovery, Dr. Lu continues to push the boundaries of research and make meaningful contributions to her field.

Professional Profiles

Education

Dr. Yi Lu pursued her academic training in materials science with a strong emphasis on metal research, particularly aluminum alloys. She earned her advanced degrees from reputable institutions that laid a strong foundation for her scientific pursuits. Throughout her studies, she demonstrated exceptional analytical and experimental skills, which were honed through hands-on laboratory work and advanced coursework in metallurgy, corrosion science, mechanical behavior of materials, and materials processing. Her educational journey emphasized the integration of theoretical knowledge with experimental application, preparing her to explore complex research topics such as microstructural characterization and failure mechanisms in metals. During her graduate studies, she was actively involved in collaborative research, presenting her work at seminars and contributing to peer-reviewed publications. These academic experiences sharpened her ability to approach scientific challenges methodically and rigorously. Her thesis focused on understanding the influence of microstructure on the mechanical and corrosion properties of aluminum alloys, a subject that continues to underpin her current research. The depth of her education, coupled with her persistent curiosity and discipline, has equipped Dr. Lu with the tools necessary to make substantial contributions in the field of materials science. Her academic background continues to serve as a vital pillar supporting her professional research and innovation.

Professional Experience

Currently serving as a researcher at the School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Technology, Dr. Yi Lu plays a crucial role in advancing the institution’s research capabilities in metallic materials. Her professional work is centered around aluminum alloys, exploring key issues related to their mechanical properties, corrosion behavior, and hydrogen embrittlement mechanisms. Dr. Lu has been a vital team member in a national key research and development project, where she contributed to the experimental design, materials testing, and analysis of microstructural transformations. This project offered her a platform to apply her academic knowledge to real-world problems, bridging the gap between theory and industrial application. She has also authored several SCI-indexed journal articles, establishing her as a published researcher with international reach. Her professional collaborations extend beyond China, as evidenced by her research partnership with the University of Auckland. These experiences have strengthened her ability to work in cross-cultural, interdisciplinary teams and have enriched her understanding of global research dynamics. While Dr. Lu has not yet engaged in consultancy or industry-specific projects, her academic and project-based experience positions her well for future involvement in industrial research, particularly in sectors where material durability and performance are critical.

Research Interest

Dr. Yi Lu’s research interests lie at the intersection of materials science and engineering, with a strong focus on the behavior and performance of aluminum alloys. Her primary areas of investigation include the mechanical properties of aluminum alloys and how these are influenced by microstructural features. She is particularly intrigued by the factors that govern the corrosion resistance of these materials, an issue of critical importance in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and construction. Dr. Lu also explores various refining techniques to enhance the purity and structural uniformity of aluminum alloys. One of the more specialized aspects of her work is the study of hydrogen embrittlement—an often overlooked but significant phenomenon that compromises the integrity of metals. Through her research, she seeks to understand the mechanisms behind hydrogen-induced failures and propose mitigation strategies. These interconnected areas form a cohesive framework that allows Dr. Lu to address both fundamental questions and practical challenges in materials performance. Her interests are not only driven by academic curiosity but also by the broader societal need for more resilient, lightweight, and corrosion-resistant materials. By focusing her research on these critical topics, she aims to contribute to the development of next-generation metallic materials with enhanced longevity and reliability.

Research Skills

Dr. Yi Lu possesses a robust set of research skills that enable her to tackle complex problems in materials science with precision and innovation. She is proficient in a wide range of experimental techniques used to analyze the mechanical and corrosion behavior of metals, particularly aluminum alloys. Her expertise includes mechanical testing methods such as tensile, hardness, and fatigue analysis, which she uses to assess the structural integrity of alloys. In addition, she is skilled in metallographic examination and advanced microscopy, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), allowing her to investigate microstructural features at fine resolutions. Dr. Lu is also experienced in electrochemical testing methods, which are essential for understanding corrosion kinetics and resistance. Her analytical skills extend to data interpretation and modeling, ensuring that experimental findings are rigorously evaluated and contextually grounded. Furthermore, she demonstrates competence in scientific writing and has successfully published in high-impact SCI journals. Her collaborative research experience with the University of Auckland highlights her ability to contribute to international projects and interdisciplinary teams. Whether conducting experiments, interpreting results, or drafting manuscripts, Dr. Lu consistently applies scientific rigor and attention to detail, making her a capable and well-rounded researcher in her field.

Awards and Honors

Although Dr. Yi Lu is in the early stages of her academic and research career, she has already achieved notable recognition for her contributions to materials science. Her most significant honor to date is her participation in a national key research and development project, a competitive and prestigious initiative that selects promising researchers to contribute to groundbreaking scientific work. In this project, Dr. Lu’s role was instrumental in generating valuable findings related to aluminum alloy performance. She has published four SCI-indexed papers and one EI paper, with two articles appearing in high-impact SCI1 journals—an accomplishment that reflects both the quality and relevance of her research. Her work has received six citations, an encouraging indicator of her growing impact within the academic community. Dr. Lu has also been nominated for the Best Researcher Award, a testament to her dedication and early academic promise. These accolades, while still accumulating, signify her upward trajectory in the field. As she continues to publish, collaborate, and contribute to material science research, Dr. Lu is poised to garner more awards and recognition. Her commitment to excellence and innovation lays the groundwork for future honors at both national and international levels.

Conclusion

Dr. Yi Lu exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and forward-thinking researcher in the field of materials science and engineering. Her academic journey and professional work are unified by a clear focus on improving the performance and durability of aluminum alloys, which are critical to a wide range of industrial applications. Through rigorous experimentation, international collaboration, and scholarly publication, she has demonstrated the ability to contribute meaningful insights to her discipline. Her areas of expertise—including mechanical behavior, corrosion mechanisms, refining methods, and hydrogen embrittlement—address some of the most pressing challenges in metallic materials. Despite being at an early stage in her career, Dr. Lu’s accomplishments—such as participation in a national research initiative and publications in high-tier journals—highlight her potential for future leadership in research and innovation. She continues to refine her experimental techniques, expand her scientific understanding, and seek impactful collaborations. Looking ahead, Dr. Lu aims to further integrate her theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ultimately contributing to the design and development of materials that are stronger, lighter, and more resistant to environmental stress. Her dedication to scientific progress and her methodical approach to research ensure that she will remain a valuable asset to her institution and the global materials science community.

 Publications Top Notes

  1. Title: High thermal stability of Si-containing Al-Zn-Mg-Cu crossover alloy caused by metastable GPB-II phase
    Authors: Yi Lu, Shengping Wen, Wu Wei, Xiaolan Wu, Kunyuan Gao, Hui Huang, Zuoren Nie
    Year: 2025

  2. Title: The enhanced aging hardening behavior in Si-containing Al-5Zn-1Mg-1Cu alloys
    Authors: Yi Lu, Shengping Wen, Zuoren Nie
    Year: 2024

  3. Title: The phase transformation and enhancing mechanical properties in high Zn/Mg ratio Al–Zn–Mg–Cu(-Si) alloys
    Authors: Yi Lu, Shengping Wen, Kunyuan Gao, Xiangyuan Xiong, Wu Wei, Xiaolan Wu, Hui Huang, Zuoren Nie
    Year: 2024

  4. Title: TeleAware Robot: Designing Awareness-augmented Telepresence Robot for Remote Collaborative Locomotion
    Authors: Ruyi Li, Yaxin Zhu, Min Liu, Yihang Zeng, Shanning Zhuang, Jiayi Fu, Yi Lu, Guyue Zhou, Can Liu, Jiangtao Gong
    Year: 2024