Dr. Li (Emily) Liu

Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering Department, and Center for Future Energy Systems, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; liue@rpi.edu

Abstract:

The purpose of this research is to develop the bridges among neutron and X-ray scattering experiments, their associated data analysis through liquid theory, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The group utilized small-angle neutron scattering, quasi-elastic neutron scattering, inelastic neutron scattering, small-angle X-ray scattering, as well as MD simulations to probe the structural and dynamical response of materials at nano-scale and the intra-molecular water. These results shed light on the integration of scattering experiments, liquid theories, and MD simulations to characterize complex materials, especially liquids and glasses. And their potential use in exploring energy and medical materials is highly promising.

Bio of Dr. Liu:

Dr. Liu is an Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). Dr. Liu earned her PhD from the Massachusetts of Technology and her B.S. from Peking University. She is the recipient of various honors and awards such as the Class of 1951 Outstanding Teaching Award (RPI, 2013), the School of Engineering Research Excellence Award (RPI, 2012), and the Cozzarelli Prize in Engineering and Applied Sciences from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2006). As a Physicist and Nuclear Engineer by training, Liu’s research is focused on solving high impact problems associated with energy and the environment through fundamental investigations into the structure-function relationships of materials. For this purpose she is developing a variety of analytical, experimental, and computational tools based on neutron, X-ray, and light scattering as well as molecular dynamics (MD) and phase field simulations.