Jun Li’s research aims to reduce energy consumption and assist in the decarbonization for society. He is interested in investigating polymer physics and surface-interface phenomena to engineer high-performance materials. He builds unique capabilities to quantify the performance of those new materials in real-world applications. He is also interested in studying the underlying physics of phase-change heat transfer and multiphase flow, aiming to innovate/improve thermal fluids and energy systems.

• Heat and mass transfer
• Surfaces/interfaces
• Functional polymers
• Membrane separation
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R)612-626-0153

Visit Jun Li's Experts@Minnesota profile page

Visit Jun Li's Google Scholar page

Education

• Ph.D. 2020, Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• M.S. 2016, Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
• B.S. 2013, Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Professional Background

• Richard and Barbara Nelson Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, University of Minnesota, 2023-present
• Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, 2021-2022
• Postdoctoral Research Associate, Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, 2020-2021

Scientific & Professional Societies

Teaching Subjects

• ME 4131W: Indoor Environment & Energy Laboratory
• ME 5103: Thermal Environmental Engineering

Honors and Awards

• ASHRAE New Investigator Award, 2026-27
• James Joule Award, International Institute of Refrigeration Young Researchers' Awards, 2023
• David Hinde Award (for research in refrigerants), UIUC, 2019
• ASHRAE Graduate Student Grant-In-Aid, 2018
• Mavis Future Faculty Fellow (MF3), UIUC, 2018
• James O. Smith Outstanding TA Award, UIUC, 2018
• American Physical Society (APS) FGSA Travel Award, 2018
• MechSE Department Exceptional Publications, UIUC, 2017
• Central Illinois ASHRAE Scholarship, 1st place, 2017

Selected Publications

• Li, J., Hrnjak, P., “Optimization of a Microchannel Condenser with Separation Circuitry”, Applied Thermal Engineering, 184 (2021): 116273, doi
• Li, J., Hrnjak, P., “An Experimentally Validated Model for Microchannel Condensers with Separation Circuitry”, Applied Thermal Engineering, 183(1) (2021): 116114, doi
• Li, J., Hrnjak, P., “Visualization and Quantification of Separation of Liquid-vapor Two-phase Flow in a Vertical Header at Low Inlet Quality”, International Journal of Refrigeration 85 (2018): 144-156, doi
• Li, J., Hrnjak, P., “Separation in Condensers as a Way to Improve Efficiency”, International Journal of Refrigeration 79 (2017): 1-9, doi
• Li, J., Hrnjak, P., “Improvement of Condenser Performance by Phase Separation Confirmed Experimentally and by Modeling”, International Journal of Refrigeration 78 (2017): 60-69, doi