Education

• Ph.D. Structural Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2011
• M.S.E. Structural Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, 2009
• M.S.E. Structural Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, 2007
• B.S.E. Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 2005

Academic Experience

• Professor, State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute, 2023-present
  (Full-time)
• Chair, Department of Engineering, State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute, 2023-present
• Program coordinator of Civil Engineering, State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute, 2019-present
• Associate/Assistant Professor, State University of New York (SUNY) Polytechnic Institute, 2013-present (Full-time)

Research interests

Computational mechanics and modeling; Structural Stability; Structural Optimization; Cold-Formed Steel analysis and design; Thin-Walled Structures; Wind turbine analysis and design; Green buildings

Award and Honor

• 2023 One of three finalists for the Curtis W. McGraw Research Award, American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
• Dean’s Excellence Award in Teaching, College of Engineering, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, 2022 & 2023
• National Science Foundation (NSF) CMMI Game Changer Academies (CGCA) for Advancing Research Innovation Panel Fellow, 2021
• SUNY Chancellor Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, State University of New York (SUNY), 2019
• SUNY High Impact Learning and Teaching (HILT) Innovation Fellow, SUNY, Sept. 2017-Present
• ASCE Excellence in Civil Engineering Education (ExCEEd) Fellow, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), July, 2014

Funding Activities

• SUNY Poly Offshore Wind Training Team (SPOWT²), New York’s Offshore Wind TrainingInstitute (OWTI), 7/1/2023 - 6/30/2025
• Virtual Reality (VR) for Engineering Education: an interactive learning module and virtual labs, SUNY IITG, 9/1/2023 – 8/31/2024
• Guidelines for Member-Level Analysis-Based Testing, American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Small Project Fellowship, 4/2022-7/2023, PI
• SUNY Clean Energy Workforce Opportunity Program: New York Clean Energy Workforce Training Team (NYCE WATT). 7/1/2020-6/31/2023 (with SUNY New Paltz)
• SUNY Performance Improvement Fund: Green Building LEED Certification by Student Experiential Learning. 9/1/2018-8/31/2022, (with SUNY ESF, and SUNY Oneonta)
• Steel Stud Assemblies Bearing on Concrete Slabs (Phase II), 9/1/2019-8/31/2020, Agent: American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI)/ Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) (with Umass-Amherst)
• Characterization of Coupled Instabilities with the Artificial Neural Network, 7/23/2019-7/23/2020, Agent: SUNY Poly SEED Grant Funding
• Optimization and Application of Next Generation Steels in Construction, Agent: National Science Foundation (NSF), Number:  1760953, 8/15/2018 – 7/30/21(with Johns Hopkins University)
• CUFSM Usability Enhancements for Elastic Buckling Analysis on Members with Holes, Agent: American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 4/1/2019
• Development of Design Tables of the Cold-Formed Steel Sections in AISI D100, Agent: American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), 4/1/2019
• Steel Stud Assemblies Bearing on Concrete Slabs (Phase I), 7/1/2017-6/15/2018, Agent: American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) (with Umass-Amherst)
• Application of Project-based learning practice into Finite Element Analysis (FEA) course, 1/16/2018-8/31/2018, Agent: SUNY High Impact Learning and Teaching Hub (SUNY HILT).
• Exploring coupled Instabilities of thin-walled members using 3D printing technology, 2017 SUNY Poly summer undergraduate research internship program

Recent Journal and Conference Publications (Full list at Google Scholar)

1. Damir Akchurin, Chu Ding, Yu Xia, Hannah B. Blum, Benjamin W. Schafer, Zhanjie Li, Instability-driven family optimization of cold-formed steel lipped-channel cross-sections with strength and stiffness constraints, Thin-Walled Structures, Volume 192, 2023, 111118 
2. Lingfeng Yin, Yu Niu, Zhaoxin Zheng, Gan Tang, Tianyang Deng, Zhanjie Li, Structural performance of speed-lock joints with split bolts in steel storage racks, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 208, 2023, 107991
3. Y. Hou, Z. Li, J. Gong, “A compound strip method based on the Mindlin plate theory for static and buckling analyses of thin-walled members with transverse stiffeners”, Thin-Walled Structures, Volume 188, 2023, 110796
4. Yin, L., Niu, Y., Zheng, Z., Tang, G., Deng, T., Li, Z. (2023) “Structural performance of speed- lock joints with split bolts in steel storage racks”, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 208,2023,107991
5. Yin, L.; Deng, T.; Niu, Y.; Li, Z. (2022) Free-Form Shape Optimization of Advanced High- Strength Steel Members. Buildings, 12, 2101.
6. T Deng, Y Niu, L Yin, Z Lin, Z Li, (2022) Load Distribution Optimization of Steel Storage Rack Based on Genetic Algorithm , Buildings 12 (11), 1782
7. Xu, J., Wu, S., Han, J., Wang, J., Li, Z., (2022) Post-earthquake fire resistance of stainless steel K-joints considering gradient temperature effect, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 192,107219
8. Shi, J., Yin, L.F., Shao, X.X., He, X.Y., Quan, G. and Li, Z., (2022) Full-Field Geometric Imperfection Measurement Using A Projection Speckle Correlation Method And Computational Modeling Of Cold Formed Steel Rack Uprights. International Journal of Advanced Steel Construction, Vol. 18, No. 2, pp. 592-603
9. Xu, J., Wang, J., Han, J., Han, Z., Tu, J., Li, Z., (2022) Fire Resistance Numerical Simulation of Extended End-Plate Steel Connection Joints with Different Strengthening Strategies under Fire. KSCE Journal of Civil Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12205-022-0617-0
10. J. Xu, X. Gan, J. Han, D. Chong, Z. Han, Z. Li, (2022) Study on seismic performance of welding beam reinforced with symmetrical flange plate to H-shaped column after fire, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 189, 107106,
11. Y. Xia, C. Ding, Z. Li, B. W. Schafer, H. B. Blum, (2021) Numerical modeling of stress-strain relationships for advanced high strength steels, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 182, 106687
12. Jin, Z. Li, T. Gao, F. Huang, D. Gan, R. Cheng, (2021) Constrained shell finite element method of modal buckling analysis for thin-walled members with curved cross-sections, Engineering Structures, Volume 240, 112281
13. Joorabchian, Z. Li, K. D. Peterman, (2021) Experimental and numerical investigation of fixed-height cold-formed steel wall assemblies bearing on concrete slabs, Thin-Walled Structures, Volume 166, 107940
14. Hou, Z. Li, J. Gong, (2021) A compound strip method for static and buckling analyses of thin-walled members with transverse stiffeners, Thin-Walled Structures, Volume 165, 107829
15. Jin, Z. Li, Q. Tang, Z. He, H. Huang, (2021) “A combined force/displacement-based constrained Finite Strip Method for modal stability analysis of thin-walled members”. Thin-Walled Structures, 159, 107322
16. Xu, J. Wang, H. S. Mohamed, J. Han, Z. Han, J. Tu, Z. Li, (2021) Post-earthquake fire resistance of bolted end-plate connection joint with end-plate and web stiffeners, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 185, 106835
17. Xu, S. L. Wang, H. S. Mohamed, J. Han, Z. Han, J. Tu, Z. Li, (2021) Seismic performance of shear energy dissipation beams in D-shaped eccentrically braced steel frames, Journal of Constructional Steel Research, Volume 180, 106584
18. Tu, X. Tan, X. Deng, Z. Han, M. Zhang, Z. Li, J. Xu, P. Zhang, (2020) “Dynamic responses and flow-induced vibration mechanism of three tandem circular cylinders in planar shear flow”, Ocean Engineering, 199, 107022
19. He, B. Zou, X. Zhou, Z. Liu, Z. Li, (2020) “A design criterion for identifying and designing compressive cold-formed steel members with local and distortional interactive behaviors.” Thin-walled Structures, 148, 106187
20. Jin, Z. Li, D. Gan, R. Cheng, F. Huang, (2019) “Constrained shell finite element method for elastic buckling analysis of thin-walled members”. Thin-walled Structures, 145, 106409
21. Xu, Y. Tong, J. Han, Z. Han, Z. Li, (2019) “Fire resistance of thin-walled tubular T-joints with internal ring stiffeners under post-earthquake fire”, Thin-walled Structures, 145, 106433
22. Xu, L. Yang, J. Han, Z. Han, J. Tu, Z. Li, (2019) “Fire resistance behavior of earthquake-damaged tubular T-joints at elevated temperatures.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 159, pp. 176-188
23. Tang, L. Yin, Z. Li, Y. Li, L. You, (2019) “Structural behaviors of bolted connections using laminated bamboo and steel plates.” Structures. 20, pp. 324-339
24. Hou, Z. Li, S. Ni, J. Gong, (2019) “Structural responses of a modular thin-walled steel trestle structure.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research. 158, pp. 502-521
25. Han, A. Malla, R. Nepali, D. Zhou, Y. Bao, Z. Li, J. Tu, K. Kwok, (2018) “Wake-induced vibration interference between a fixed square cylinder and a 2-DOF downstream square cylinder at low Reynolds number.” Ocean Engineering. 162, 698-711.
26. Zhou, J. Li, Y. He, Z. He, Z. Li, (2018) “Finite Element Analysis of Thermal Residual Stresses in Castellated Beams.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research. 148, 741-755.
27. Li Z. (2018), “Stochastically simulated mode interactions of thin-walled cold-formed steel members using modal identification.” Thin-walled Structures, 128, 171-183.
28. Yin, L., Tang, G., Li, Z., Zhang, M., (2018) “Responses of cold-formed steel storage racks with spine bracings using speed-lock connections with bolts II: nonlinear dynamic response history analysis.” Thin-walled Structures, 125, 89-99
29. Yin, L., Tang, G., Li, Z., Zhang, M., Feng, B. (2018) “Responses of cold-formed steel storage racks with spine bracings using speed-lock connections with bolts I: Static elastic-plastic pushover analysis.” Thin-walled Structures, 125, 51-62
30. Yin, L., Tang, G., Li, Z., Pan, C., Lai, H. (2017) “Structural performance of a double-wall steel insulation silo with multiple bolted joints.” Journal of Constructional Steel Research, 139, 411-423
31. Li, Z., Leng, J., Guest, J.K., Schafer, B.W. (2016) "Two-level optimization for a new family of cold-formed steel lipped channel sections against local and distortional buckling." Thin-walled Structures, 108, 64–74
32. Ding, Z. Li, H.B. Blum, X. Yu, B.W. Schafer, “Ductility Demands on CFS Structural Connections for Advanced High Strength Steel”, CFSRC Colloquium, October 20-21, 2020
33. Li, S. Jin, “Extensions of the constrained Finite Strip Method (cFSM) for elastic buckling analysis of thin-walled members: closed sections and sections with rounded corners”, CFSRC Colloquium, October 20-21, 2020
34. Joorabchian, Z. Li, K. D. Peterman, “Numerical investigation of the impact of bearing condition on the axial behavior of variable-height cold-formed steel stud wall assemblies”, CFSRC Colloquium, October 20-21, 2020
35. Yin, X. Shen, G. Tang, Z. Li, “Application of axial-moment interaction surface of distortional buckling in pushover analysis of cold-formed steel rack structures”, CFSRC Colloquium, October 20-21, 2020
36. Yin, Z. Lin, G. Tang, T. Deng, Z. Li, “Seismic performance and most unfavorable and favorable Load distributions of steel storage rack: an optimization approach”, CFSRC Colloquium, October 20-21, 2020
37. Jin, Z. Li, S. Xu, F. Huang, “Constrained shell finite element method for stability analysis of thin-walled steel members with tapered sections”, Structural Stability Research Council Annual Stability Conference. Atlanta, GA, April 22-24, 2020
38. Xia, Z. Li, B. W. Schafer, H. B. Blum, “Modeling parameters for advanced high-strength cold-formed steel members”, The Seventh International Conference on Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Computation, 2-4 September 2019, Cape Town, South Africa
39. Joorabchian, Z. Li, K. D. Peterman, “The impact of bearing conditions on the stability behavior of cold-formed steel stud assemblies”, Structural Stability Research Council Annual Stability Conference. St. Louis, MO, April 2-5, 2019
40. Zhou, Z. He, P. Chen, J. Li, Z. Li, “Distortional buckling behavior and design consideration of castellated steel beams considering residual stresses”, Structural Stability Research Council Annual Stability Conference. St. Louis, MO, April 2-5, 2019
41. B. Blum, Z. Li, “Stability of apex connections in cold-formed steel portal frames”, Structural Stability Research Council Annual Stability Conference. St. Louis, MO, April 2-5, 2019
42. Joorabchian, Z. Li, K. D. Peterman, “The impact of bearing conditions on the behavior of cold-formed steel stud assemblies”, 24th International Specialty Conferences on Cold-Formed Steel Structures, November 7-8, St. Louis, MO, 2018.
43. Yin, G. Tang, Z. Li, “Computational modeling of thin-walled cold-formed steel pallet rack structures.” 2018 International Conference of Thin-Walled Structures (ICTWS), Lisbon, Portugal, July 24-27, 2018
44. C. Batista Abreu, Z. Li. “Modal identification of thin-walled steel studs under non-uniform temperature.” Structural Stability Research Council Annual Stability Conference. Baltimore, MD, April 11-13, 2018.

Service Activities

• American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Main Committee Member
• Structural Stability Research Council (SSRC) Member
• Reviewer for the International Journal of Structural Stability and Dynamics
• Reviewer for the Journal of Structural Engineering (ASCE)
• Reviewer for the Journal of Engineering Mechanics (ASCE)
• Reviewer for the Thin-walled Structures
• Reviewer for the Engineering Structures
• Reviewer for the Journal of Constructional Steel Research