Xiaochun Li, a professor at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering. This honor is regarded as one of the highest professional distinctions for engineers in the United States.
Li is among 130 new members and 28 international members recognized this year by the academy for their significant contributions to engineering research, practice, and education. He serves as a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering and materials science and engineering at UCLA, where he holds the Raytheon Company Chair in Manufacturing Engineering. The academy cited his leadership in “nanotechnology-enabled solidification-based manufacturing processes of high-performance metal products.”
Li’s work has impacted industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense, and consumer electronics. His innovations have advanced mass production techniques for nanotechnology-enhanced metals like aluminum and magnesium alloys. These efforts have resulted in more than 30 patents, with 10 licensed globally.
His developments include improvements in arc welding, laser melting, die-casting, and additive manufacturing. These technologies have expanded manufacturing capabilities while supporting energy efficiency and sustainability objectives.
At UCLA, Li directs the SciFacturing Lab and was previously the inaugural technical director for the Smart Manufacturing Innovation Center within the Clean Energy Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute—a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy. He is also affiliated with both the California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA and UCLA Samueli’s B. John Garrick Institute for Risk Sciences.
Li has held roles such as editor, conference chair, and committee member within professional organizations. He co-chaired major conferences including the International Manufacturing Science and Engineering Conference (2013) and North American Manufacturing Research Conference (2017). From 2007 to 2009 he chaired ASME’s Micro/Nano Manufacturing Technical Committee.
He has received several awards: “the 2025 Frederick W. Taylor Medal from SME,” “the 2022 William T. Ennor Manufacturing Technology Award from ASME,” “the 2008 Howard F. Taylor Award from AFS,” and “the 2003 Jiri Tlusty Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award from ASME.” Li is an elected fellow of multiple organizations including NAI, ASME, SME, and ISNM; he also founded MetaLi LLC to develop nanotechnology-enhanced manufacturing systems.
The National Academy of Engineering was established in 1964 as part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. It includes over 2,800 peer-elected members worldwide who provide expert advice on engineering issues.
UCLA has a history associated with notable achievements by faculty such as Nobel laureates and MacArthur Fellows according to its official website. The university emphasizes excellence across scholarship fields including arts and athletics (source), fosters diversity through academic programs (source), operates on a large campus supporting research activities (source), has earned national acclaim through its achievements (source), and functions within the University of California system (source).