Mingda Li

Mingda Li is an Associate Professor in the Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), holding the Class of 1947 Career Development Professorship. His research spans quantum materials, nanoscale energy transport, and AI-driven materials discovery, utilizing neutron/X-ray scattering techniques and machine learning to address challenges in quantum computing, thermal management, and energy conversion. He leads the Quantum Measurement Group and teaches graduate courses including Quantum Theory of Materials Characterization.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, 2009
• Doctor of Philosophy in Nuclear Science and Engineering, MIT, 2015
• Postdoctoral Research, MIT Mechanical Engineering Department

Research Interests: Dr. Li's quantum research develops theoretical frameworks for topological order and defect-engineered quantum materials, with applications in microelectronics and quantum computing. His energy transport studies investigate phonon/electron dynamics at interfaces under non-equilibrium conditions to design materials for thermal management in electronics. The AI program creates symmetry-aware generative models that integrate ab initio calculations with experimental data, enabling closed-loop materials discovery for quantum and energy technologies.

Publication Trends: Analysis of 15 recent 2025 publications reveals dominant themes in quantum materials (topological semimetals, 2D magnets), AI-driven design (generative models, symmetry-equivariant networks), and advanced characterization (neutron/X-ray spectroscopy). Key innovations include defect engineering for thermal transport, machine learning for spectroscopic data interpretation, and quantum phenomenon discovery in complex materials, reflecting strong interdisciplinary integration.

Scientific Awards: No scientific awards were mentioned in the provided text.

Advising and Grants: Dr. Li mentors graduate students in the Quantum Measurement Group, guiding research in quantum materials characterization and AI applications. He has taught core courses including Applied Nuclear Physics and Machine Learning in Nuclear Science and Engineering. His research is supported by grants focused on quantum engineering and nuclear materials, with collaborations spanning national laboratories and industry partners for quantum computing and energy applications.

Labs and Teams: The Quantum Measurement Group operates at the intersection of experimental physics and computational science, utilizing neutron scattering facilities (including Spallation Neutron Source) and ultrafast X-ray techniques. The team develops custom software for data analysis and collaborates with institutions like MIT.nano for materials synthesis, maintaining a pipeline from theoretical prediction to device-level validation for quantum and thermoelectric materials.