Yan Vivian Li, PhD

There is a constant need to upgrade the functions and performance of textiles and apparel for the improvement of public health, safety and a sustainable environment. Our research group at CSU addresses this need by focusing on the development of multi-functional fibrous materials through the application of nanotechnology. Our research is rooted in understanding, assessing and controlling the functional performance of fibers and fabrics at the nanoscale. We are highly motivated to move research results from the laboratory into new products in the marketplace.

As an academic researcher in textile science, I am always interested in how fundamental life processes work in the world of textiles, such as why cotton fabrics show an increase in strength when they get wet or why spider silk is super tough yet extremely light. I never get tired of asking about how the basic science can be beneficial to our people and our community, hoping that someday my scientific discoveries can be used to improve our life through public health applications and sustainable environmental practices. Commercialization is the process by which a researcher makes a positive impact through knowledge. Our research group at CSU primarily focuses on material innovation. We strive to translate laboratory research results into practice via creating functional fibrous materials that have innovative potential through commercialization for medical textiles used in diagnostics, prevention, and treatment.