Suyi Li named John R. Jones III Faculty Fellow
Suyi Li, associate professor of mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering, has been named a John R. Jones III Faculty Fellow in Mechanical Engineering by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.
In 2006, the John R. Jones III Faculty Fellow in Mechanical Engineering endowment was established to acknowledge and reward mid-career faculty who have shown exceptional merit in research, teaching, and service. Jones '67 earned his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He is a retired executive of American Electric Power, remains an active consultant to the power industry, and has been a member of the Department of Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board since 1998.
A member of the Virginia Tech community since 2022, Li is an internationally recognized leader in origami engineering and mechanical intelligence, with pioneering contributions that have advanced origami from a geometric design concept to a rigorous engineering framework for functional materials, robotic systems, and intelligent mechanical structures.
Li’s research accomplishments are recognized through major national and international honors, including the National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program award, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award, and the ASME C.D. Mote Jr. Early Career Award. His scholarship is widely cited and includes influential review articles that are regarded as foundational references in origami engineering.
He has developed innovative courses in soft robotics that integrate creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking, expanding the department’s curriculum in strategically important areas. He also teaches core undergraduate courses and has mentored students at all levels.
Li earned his bachelor’s degree and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan and his master’s degree from Pennsylvania State University.
