Tianyu Li
Storrs,CT
Summary
I’m a PhD candidate in Materials Science at the University of Connecticut focusing on Ni-based catalysts and filamentous carbon gasification. I integrate operando ETEM with Raman, XPS, and thermal analysis (e.g., TGA/TPO) and build Python/ML pipelines for image segmentation and kinetics quantification.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Teacher's Assistant
University of Connecticut, Material Science and Engineering
Storrs, CT
08.2025 - 12.2025
- Partnered with the course instructor to deliver a high-quality learning experience and maintain smooth course operations.
- Provided direct instructional support through office hours, guided problem-solving, and targeted exam review sessions.
- Assessed homework/projects/exams with standardized grading criteria; returned detailed feedback to help students improve.
- Supported course content delivery by preparing learning aids and contributing to assignment/exam development as needed.
- Maintained proactive communication with the instructor regarding timelines, student needs, and workload planning.
Teacher's Assistant
University of Connecticut, Material Science and Engineering
Storrs, CT
08.2024 - 12.2024
- Supported course instruction in close coordination with the instructor and students to strengthen learning outcomes and classroom engagement.
- Led academic support activities (e.g., office hours, review/study sessions, discussion or help sessions) to reinforce key concepts and problem-solving.
- Evaluated student work (homework, projects, and/or exams) using consistent rubrics; delivered timely, constructive feedback to improve performance.
- Assisted with assessment and course delivery, including preparing or refining course materials and/or developing new assessments when needed.
- Communicated proactively with the instructor to align responsibilities with course priorities and manage schedule constraints professionally.
Research Assistant
National University of Singapore, NUS
Singapore
01.2022 - 01.2023
- Synthesis and characterize size and shape controlled Cu2O nanoparticles
- Conduct long term stability test
- Gas and liquid product analysis
- Characterization on morphology evolution of catalyst
- Streamlined lab operations by handling routine purchasing, supporting basic maintenance, and coordinating communications between multiple labs and the department.
Education
Master of Science - Material Science And Engineering
National University of Singapore
Singapore12-2021
Bachelor - Material Science And Engineering
Shanghai JiaoTong University
Shanghai, China07-2019
Bachelor - Material Science And Engineering
Shanghai JiaoTong University
Shanghai, China07-2019
Skills
Microscopy & Imaging
- Environmental TEM (ETEM), TEM/SAED diffraction analysis, operando/ in-situ imaging workflows
- Image processing & segmentation (binary masks, overlay/FP-FN maps), quantitative microstructure tracking
Spectroscopy & Surface Analysis
- Raman spectroscopy (power-density/exposure optimization, defect metrics: D/G, 2D/G, FWHM)
- XPS analysis (C 1s/O 1s fitting, angle-resolved concepts, depth-sensitivity interpretation)
Thermal & Reaction Characterization
- TGA-based gasification/oxidation kinetics (isothermal analysis, apparent activation energy extraction)
- TPO/TPD/TGA data interpretation; kinetic vs diffusion regime reasoning (eg, boundary-layer / transport effects)
Catalysis & Materials
- Catalyst regeneration and carbon gasification (Ni-based catalysts; carbon–metal interactions; phase/structure interpretation)
- Structure–property reasoning for carbon materials (defects, oxygen functional groups, graphitic order)
Data Science & Programming
- Python (NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib; scripting for batch processing and quantitative analysis)
- Machine learning for microscopy segmentation (U-Net variants; change-detection segmentation workflows)
- Data organization & automation (file handling, reproducible pipelines)
Tools & Scientific Software
- CasaXPS / Thermo Avantage (XPS fitting & quantification)
- Origin/Excel (plotting, tables, kinetics calculations)
- Reference management: Mendeley
Professional / Research Operations
- Technical communication (reports, figures, SI preparation), cross-team coordination
- Procurement, inventory tracking, basic lab maintenance, lab–department liaison (RA duties)
Timeline
Teacher's Assistant
University of Connecticut, Material Science and Engineering
08.2025 - 12.2025
Teacher's Assistant
University of Connecticut, Material Science and Engineering
08.2024 - 12.2024
Research Assistant
National University of Singapore, NUS
01.2022 - 01.2023
Master of Science - Material Science And Engineering
National University of Singapore
Bachelor - Material Science And Engineering
Shanghai JiaoTong University
Bachelor - Material Science And Engineering
Shanghai JiaoTong University
Publications
[1] Sainju, R.; Li, T.; Nielsen, M. R.; Zhu, Y. Operando Spatially and Time-Resolved Reduction of Hollow Polycrystalline NiO: How to Promote Ni Nanoparticle Redispersion. Nano Lett. 2025, 25 (26), 10521–10527.
[2] Nielsen, M. R.; Li, T.; Sainju, R.; March, S.; Zhu, C.; Gao, P. X.; Suib, S. L.; Zhu, Y. Operando Elucidation of Filamentous Carbon Gasification Kinetics and Mechanisms on a Spent Ni/CeO2Catalyst. ACS Catal. 2025, 15, 17393–17406.
[3] Niu, Y.; Li, T.; Zhu, Y.; Yang, Q. MultiTaskDeltaNet: Change Detection-Based Image Segmentation for Operando ETEM with Application to Carbon Gasification Kinetics. Digital Discovery 2025.