Lu Li

Lu Li is a Professor of Physics and Interim Chair of the Physics Department at the University of Michigan. He holds a B.S. from the University of Science and Technology of China (2002) and a Ph.D. from Princeton University (2008). Before joining the University of Michigan in 2011, he was a Pappalardo Fellow at MIT.
His research focuses on experimental condensed matter physics, particularly topological quantum materials and strongly correlated systems such as novel oxide interfaces, frustrated quantum magnets, and high Tc superconductors. His work explores phenomena arising from spin-orbital interactions and strong electron correlations.
Key achievements include studies on SmB6’s rotational symmetry breaking, quantum oscillations in insulators, and Fermi surface topologies in superconductors. He has been recognized with awards like the OCPA OYRA-Macronix Prize (2015) and the Office of Naval Research Young Investigator Award (2015).
His labs are located in the Randall Laboratory and Homer A. Neal Lab. He actively collaborates with researchers worldwide and mentors students in experimental techniques such as torque magnetometry and high-field measurements.