AME Seminar: Jianzhi Li

Abstract: Interfaces are the cross-scale spatial locations where heterogenous materials, processes, technologies, and systems encounter and interact. Understanding the behaviors of materials and processes at such interfaces helps the development of novel multi-material systems and structures. More importantly, this understanding helps develop reliable, configurable, and yet easy-to-integrate, multi-technologies convergent processes, which provides the ability of manufacturing at the point of need and eventually realizing the democratization of U.S. manufacturing. In this presentation, Dr. Li will provide a review of his past and current manufacturing research projects at UTRGV CAMICS center driven by manufacturing at the interfaces. He will provide examples of his theoretical and experimental investigations on In-situ Alloying, Laser Material Processing, and Convergent Manufacturing technologies with applications in Defense and Energy. Additionally, Dr. Li will discuss education and workforce needs for revitalization of a “world-class American manufacturing base” (Executive Order 14017) and programs he is currently leading for this purpose with support from DoD and DOE. Dr. Li will conclude his presentation with a discussion of the future of advanced manufacturing research, education, and funding opportunities.

Bio: Dr. Jianzhi (James) Li holds President’s Endowed Professorship at The University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley. Professor Li received his Ph.D. in industrial and manufacturing engineering from The Texas Tech University and his bachelor of science degree in automotive engineering and master of science degree in manufacturing engineering, both from Tsinghua University. Professor Li has more than 20 years of leadership and research experience in the areas of laser material processing, additive manufacturing, process modeling and optimization, logistics, and sustainable manufacturing. He has worked in the industry serving as chief technology director in IT and logistics fields. Professor Li is the Director of The Center for Advanced Manufacturing Innovation and Cyber Systems at UTRGV. He is the Founding Director of the DoD I-DREAM4D Consortium created on a DoD MEEP grant. The Consortium focuses on talent preparation for defense innovation leveraging research and education in additive manufacturing and smart manufacturing. Professor Li is also the Founding Director of a DOE/NNSA national consortium that supports additive manufacturing research for energy systems. Throughout his career, Professor Li has maintained a distinguished scholarly record and developed research and education programs that significantly benefit the institution and the manufacturing community.