Global Roster - Jian Li
Professor Jian Li is originally from China, receiving his B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from Harbin Institute of Technology. It was in the U.S. where he earned his Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Li came to KU in 2013 and teaches courses related to structural engineering, including structural analysis and structural dynamics. His research focuses on structural health monitoring, sensing technologies, artificial intelligence, computer vision, and digital twins for civil infrastructure. In other words, his group develops ways to help infrastructures “tell us” about their condition so that engineers can make better decisions about inspection, maintenance, and safety.
Why does your research matter outside of the lab and/or classroom?
Civil infrastructure is part of everyone’s daily life. We drive over bridges, work in buildings, use airports and rely on transportation systems without always thinking about their condition. My research matters because it aims to make infrastructure inspection and maintenance more accurate, efficient and proactive.
What is your favorite thing about Lawrence and the University of Kansas? What about your home country do you miss the most?
My favorite thing about Lawrence is the balance it offers. It is a friendly and welcoming college town with a strong sense of community, but it also has the energy that comes from being home to a major university. At KU, I really appreciate the people — the students, colleagues and staff. There is a collaborative spirit here that makes it a great place to teach, conduct research and mentor students.
What I miss most about China is probably the food and the sense of everyday connection with family and old friends. Food is such an important part of Chinese culture, and I miss the variety, the regional flavors and the experience of gathering with people around a meal.
What drew you to KU to teach?
KU gave me the opportunity to build an independent research program in an area I care deeply about, while also teaching and mentoring students in a strong civil engineering program. I was drawn to the combination of academic opportunity, supportive colleagues and the welcoming environment in Lawrence.
Over the years, KU has also given me the chance to work with outstanding students and collaborators and to connect fundamental research with real-world infrastructure challenges. That has been very meaningful to me.
Are you rooting for anyone in the World Cup? Has it brought up any memories or traditions from home for you?
I would not describe myself as a serious soccer fan, so I do not have one particular team that I follow closely. However, I have enjoyed some of the underdog stories, such as Cabo Verde, and it has been fun to see Lawrence embrace Algeria’s national team while they are based here during the World Cup.
For me, the World Cup also brings back some memories from 2002 when I was a college student in China. That year, China’s Men’s National Football Team qualified for the World Cup for the first time and, unfortunately, the only time. I still remember that many of my classmates either skipped class to watch the games or quietly listened to the radio during class. It was an exciting moment across the country.