Chengyu Li

Associate Professor
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Chengyu Li’s journey into engineering began with curiosity about the natural world and a desire to apply mathematical and physical principles to solve real-world problems. 

Now, as an associate professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Li’s doing just that. With a strong background in computational fluid dynamics—a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and PhD in mechanical and aerospace engineering—Chengyu Li develops specialized computational tools.

“These tools help us explore and understand the complex flow physics and transport phenomena that occur in both nature and the human body—ranging from how flying and swimming animals move to how human respiratory and cardiovascular systems function,” the associate professor shared.

Li will bring that expertise to the classroom and the research lab where he will focus on fluid mechanics and computational fluid dynamics.

What are you most looking forward to at Case Western Reserve University?

At CWRU, the opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration is vast, especially between the departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Biology, and Biomedical Engineering. These collaborations can lead to exciting advancements at the intersection of engineering and the life sciences.

Do you have any personal goals, hobbies, family, interests that you would like to share?

Supporting my students in their journey towards becoming faculty members one day and creating a lasting impact on their careers and the academic community.

What’s one piece of advice you have for students? Or what’s a great piece of advice you’ve received?

Embrace curiosity and never stop asking questions.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to join CWRU. Over the past six years, my wife and I have navigated the complexities of the 'two-body problem.' As an academic couple, my wife holds an assistant professor position at Kent State University in Ohio, while I am working in the Philadelphia area (Villanova University). As a husband and father, I have a strong desire to move back to Ohio and be close to my family. My son is 5 years old, and he is super excited about my move.