Cheng-Yu Lai, Ph.D., has secured more than $5.7 million in grants as a PI from agencies like NSF, DoD, NASA and USDA in the past five years, and contributed to more than $20 million in projects as a Co-PI. His research involves materials development in quantum science, catalysis, electronics, environmental safety and biomedicine.
Lai mentors four postdocs, six doctoral students and two master's students, and has integrated research into undergraduate education, involving more than twenty students in projects and internships. His experience in academia and industry helps students design research aligned with their long-term career goals, shaping the next generation of scientists and engineers.