Bingbing Li

Bingbing Li is a Full Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Central Michigan University, College of Science & Engineering. She has held key leadership roles including Coordinator and Chair of the Chemistry Graduate Program (2015–2017, 2020–2024) and Associate Department Chair (2022–2024). Her academic journey includes postdoctoral research at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Indiana University, followed by a tenure-track appointment at CMU in 2009.

• B.S. in Chemistry, Beijing Normal University, 1998
• M.S. in Chemistry, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 2004
• Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry of Polymers and Interface Science, Virginia Tech, 2007

Her research centers on multiscale events in semicrystalline polymer systems, with three major areas: (1) biodegradable polyesters under non-equilibrium conditions, (2) POSS-based polymer coatings and nonwoven materials, and (3) polymer materials for environmental protection. She employs advanced techniques such as electrospinning, solvent vapor annealing, and interfacial polymerization to design functional materials.

Analysis of her recent publications reveals a strong focus on polymer morphology control, crystallization behavior, and hybrid nanocomposites. Her work spans fundamental interfacial phenomena to applied environmental remediation, particularly in air filtration and wastewater treatment using nanostructured polymer materials. The integration of POSS and graphene oxide into polymer matrices highlights her innovation in enhancing material performance and sustainability.

Dr. Li has been recognized with several scientific awards:

• Honorable Frank J. Padden Award Finalist, American Physical Society (2007)
• Alice L. Jee Memorial Young Investigator Award, American Orthopedic Research Society (2008)
• Outstanding Service Award, College of Science & Engineering, CMU (2023)
• Outstanding Achievement Award in Diversity, Midland Section of ACS (2024)

She has served as an advisor to numerous graduate students and has secured research funding through grants from NSF and ACS Petroleum Research Fund. Her professional service includes organizing conferences, serving as a proposal reviewer, and editorial roles for Scientific Reports (NPG, 2016–present) and Material Circular Economy (Springer, 2021–present). She also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in polymer chemistry, quantum mechanics, and scientific communication.

Dr. Li leads the Li Research Lab (Dow 243), where her team investigates hierarchical polymer structures, degradation mechanisms, and circular economy applications of polymer materials. The lab emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in sustainable materials science.