MSE Connect: Harry Li

Junjie Li
  • Name: Junjie Li
  • Year: Senior
  • Graduation Year: December 2024
  • Post-Graduation Goals: I am going to have further exploration and studies on MSE at RWTH Aachen University for master studies and plan to continue with further studies with specific interest in materials science for future PhD studies. I am hoping to have future opportunities to work with researchers and scholars from diverse areas of science for various research on materials.
  • What made you choose Materials Engineering?
    • My passion for science and technology, fueled by an early interest in aeronautical engineering, led me to choose Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) for diverse exploration in both fields of science and engineering. MSE stands out because it allows me to bridge science and technology in a way that addresses real-world challenges. By studying the properties and behaviors of materials, I can contribute to developing new technologies that drive innovation across various industries. The field offers the unique opportunity to tackle complex problems, push the boundaries of materials, and create solutions that improve everyday life. The potential to make a tangible impact by advancing technologies and overcoming challenges is what ultimately drew me to MSE.
  • Work Experiences
    • Airbus – Human Resources (3 months)
      • I regularly collaborated with the German and French HR teams to facilitate the implementation of the new HR system, conducting internal testing and providing feedback to the IT team before its official launch. Additionally, I had the valuable opportunity to participate in regular meetings and activities focused on policy upgrades and optimization. Gaining insight into the company’s operations from an HR perspective was a refreshing experience for me. This opportunity not only allowed me to gain hands-on experience in HR but also provided me with practical knowledge in labor and resource management.
    • Airbus – Engineering Support (3 months)
      • Provided engineering support to customers (airlines) for in-service issues, including, but not limited to, mechanical problems encountered by airlines and pilots during or after flights that they could not resolve independently. This support encompassed major repair issues, arranging on-site field service, and coordinating other necessary solutions. I worked closely with engineering teams from various sites and departments (Germany and France), particularly for cases requiring specialists from other locations to address complex issues.
    • Purdue University – Course Grader / assistant (various semesters)
  • Volunteering Activities
    • Purdue Aviation Day: Marketing and Photography
  • Undergraduate Research:
    • Compatibility of Admixtures with Non-Traditional and Natural Pozzolans (NNPs) in Cementitious Systems
      • Independent research was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Jan Olek to test and investigate the optimal combinations of cementitious materials and additives, with a focus on their hydration performance. Mechanical tests were then performed to assess the mechanical properties of the resulting combinations. Based on the data obtained, conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were made for further research, specifically on the development of concrete mixes incorporating partial cement replacement with NNPs, with the goal of reducing the carbon footprint of concrete manufacturing.
    • Optimization of Hot Flattening Procedure in Al 7050 Forgings
      • It has been a privilege to collaborate with an excellent team on this project, supervised by Dr. Kevin Trumble and Dr. Michael Titus. We modeled and predicted the precipitation behavior of our samples and conducted heat treatments to simulate the industrial manufacturing process. This allowed us to gain insights into the aging behavior of the materials, which were further analyzed through mechanical testing. Based on the results, we developed final conclusions and recommendations for hot flattening Al 7050 products, with a particular focus on aerospace applications, which were provided to our industrial sponsors.
    • Effect of Plastic Deformation on Residual Stress Profiles in Induction Hardened 4140-Steel Shafts
      • The project was collaboratively done as a senior deign project with supervision by Dr. Eric Kvam and Dr. Mark Gruninger sponsored and supported by John Deere and Inductoheat. The team conducted a series of tests, including, but not limited to, hardening and straightening tests on induction-hardened samples under various conditions. We also utilized a range of processing and analysis techniques, such as electropolishing, X-ray measurement, and metallography, to generate results and conclusions. These findings were shared with the sponsors to support further investigation and optimization of the manufacturing process.
  • Hobbies / Interest / Clubs / Extra Curricular:
    • In addition to my strong interest in research and projects related to aviation and aeronautics, I am also an amateur photographer with a passion for landscape and film photography. I enjoy hiking with friends during fall and spring breaks, exploring nature, and capturing its beauty through my lens. Another key aspect of my photography journey is aviation photography, which sparked my interest in the field back in 2013. This hobby has since become an integral part of my life, allowing me to combine my love for aviation with my creative pursuits.
  • Awards Received:
    • The Second Place of 2023 ASM Undergraduate Design Competition