The Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE) has honored Weina Li with its Career Achievement Award. Li is a materials scientist whose pursuit of her Ph.D. led to her doctoral research at the University of Connecticut’s Institute of Materials Science (IMS) and a career that now spans more than two decades of impact across aerospace, energy, and manufacturing.
Li serves as a technical fellow in materials and chemistry at Carrier—and is the first woman to hold the title of fellow at the company. In that role, she guides research and development strategy, strengthens engineering practices, and invests in developing early‑career talent. She has reinforced her commitment to her alma mater by serving as a member of the IMS External Advisory Board, where she helps steer academic/industry partnerships and workforce development.
Launching her career from the IMS laboratories under the advisement of IMS Director Steven L. Suib, Li built expertise in nanomaterials and translated that foundation into technologies that reach the marketplace. She helped secure $1.2 million in public funding to design lightweight, lower‑impact materials for aerospace, coordinating efforts among corporate teams, universities, and suppliers. In the energy sector, she has advanced flow‑battery systems through government-supported programs and commercial deployments, work that supports decarbonization goals and grid resilience.
Before being named a fellow, Li led suppression chemistry programs at Carrier, managing a global network of collaborators. The program improved coordination, sharpened execution, and reduced costs in suppression‑agent manufacturing while accelerating more sustainable product lines. A consistent theme across her roles is aligning research milestones with customer needs and business outcomes.
In additions to holding 14 U.S. patents, Li has served as a mentor to many aspiring engineers with an emphasis on preparing women and youth for success in the STEM field. Within Carrier, she champions cultural awareness and inclusivity that strengthen belonging. In the community, she volunteers in schools and language programs, encouraging young people to value cultural diversity and to explore STEM.
Weina Li’s career reflects the qualities SASE highlights with its Career Achievement Award: sustained technical leadership, successful cross‑sector collaboration, and a deep commitment to opening doors for others. For UConn, her trajectory—from campus research to external advisory board service and industry leadership—illustrates how the University’s research enterprise and partnerships prepare scholars to deliver tangible impact.