Likun Zhu

Assistant Vice Provost for Indianapolis Faculty Affairs

Likun Zhu is a professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University and serves as assistant vice provost for Indianapolis faculty affairs. He began his academic career at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis in 2009 and joined Purdue University in 2024.

Dr. Zhu’s research focuses on advanced battery materials, solid-state and lithium-ion batteries, in situ and operando characterization and battery manufacturing and design optimization. His work integrates experimental techniques with modeling and data-driven approaches to understand dynamic processes in energy storage systems and develop next-generation battery technologies. His research has been supported by federal agencies and industry, including NSF, U.S. Department of Defense and Ford Motor Company.

He has received several honors, including the Abraham M. Max Distinguished Professor Award and the IU Trustees Teaching Award. Dr. Zhu serves on the editorial boards of Applied Materials Today and Energy & Environmental Materials and has contributed extensively to the advancement of energy storage science and engineering through research, education and leadership.