Liqin Ke

Liqin Ke is an Associate Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. His research focuses on computational materials science, particularly on quantum materials and rare-earth physics, using electronic structure methods to study electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of materials.

Education:

• Ph.D., Materials Science and Engineering, Arizona State University (2009)
• M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, China (2003)
• B.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Central South University, China (2000)

Research Interests:

• Computational Materials Science
• Quantum Materials
• Critical Materials
• Rare-earth Physics
• Magnetism
• Electronic Structures

Selected Publications: His recent work (2025) explores Hund’s rule enforcement in rare earth magnetocrystalline anisotropy and topological defect-mediated helical phase reorientation under stress. Earlier studies (2023) investigate kagome magnets, while 2021 research focuses on electron correlation in 2D van der Waals materials. His work spans spin-wave theory, exchange interactions, and Green’s function methods for magnetic anisotropy.

Awards:

• DOE Early Career Award (2018)

Background: Prior to joining UVA in 2025, he served as a scientist, principal investigator, and group leader at Ames National Laboratory, blending fundamental research with applied projects addressing technological challenges.