Dr. Mingjie Pu is an accomplished lecturer at the School of Mechanical Engineering and Rail Transit, Changzhou University, China. He received his Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics from Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), where his research focused on the intricate relationship between mechanical deformation and electrocatalytic performance in low-dimensional materials. Dr. Pu has made significant strides in the field of mechano-electro-chemical coupling, a multidisciplinary area combining principles from mechanics, physics, and chemistry. His investigations emphasize how surface and interface engineering can modulate electrochemical activities, contributing to improved hydrogen evolution (HER), oxygen evolution (OER), and carbon dioxide reduction (CO₂RR) reactions. With an impressive portfolio of publications in top-tier journals like Advanced Materials and ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, he is emerging as a notable researcher in the field of energy materials. His commitment to scientific innovation is recognized through multiple national and institutional awards. While he is in the early stages of his academic career, Dr. Pu exhibits strong potential for leadership in interdisciplinary research. His work not only advances fundamental understanding but also lays the groundwork for next-generation sustainable energy technologies. This makes him a compelling candidate for honors such as the Best Researcher Award.

Professional Profile

• Scopus Profile

Education

Dr. Mingjie Pu has built a strong educational foundation that reflects both depth and progression in the field of mechanical and materials engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Solid Mechanics from the prestigious Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA) between September 2019 and October 2023. His doctoral studies were conducted at the Institute of Nano Science under the mentorship of Prof. Yufeng Guo, focusing on mechano-electro-chemical phenomena in low-dimensional materials. Prior to his Ph.D., Dr. Pu completed his Master of Science in Power Engineering at Nanjing Tech University in June 2019. Under the supervision of Prof. Jianqiu Zhou, his master’s research dealt with the mechanical behavior and deformation mechanisms of nanocrystalline alloys. His academic journey began at Changzhou University Huaide College, where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Process Equipment and Control Engineering in June 2016. This undergraduate experience laid the groundwork for his future academic endeavors, equipping him with fundamental skills in mechanical systems and materials science. Throughout his academic career, Dr. Pu has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, securing prestigious scholarships and recognitions that highlight his potential as a future leader in engineering research.

Professional Experience

Dr. Mingjie Pu currently serves as a lecturer at Changzhou University in the School of Mechanical Engineering and Rail Transit. In this role, he is actively engaged in both teaching and research, contributing to the academic development of students while pursuing innovative studies in his specialized field. Although early in his professional career, Dr. Pu has already carved out a distinctive niche through his interdisciplinary research involving solid mechanics, electrocatalysis, and materials engineering. His current responsibilities also likely include supervising undergraduate and graduate research projects, developing course materials, and participating in departmental activities aimed at academic enrichment. His previous experiences during his doctoral and master’s programs have shaped his approach to problem-solving and innovation. During his Ph.D. at NUAA, he worked closely with interdisciplinary teams, bridging the gap between theoretical modeling and applied materials science. Similarly, during his M.S. studies at Nanjing Tech University, he conducted rigorous mechanical testing and simulations that enhanced his understanding of material behavior under various conditions. As he continues his academic journey, Dr. Pu’s professional trajectory suggests a commitment to both educational excellence and cutting-edge research that addresses critical challenges in sustainable energy technologies.

Research Interests

Dr. Mingjie Pu’s research interests are deeply rooted in the interdisciplinary study of mechano-electro-chemical coupling, particularly in low-dimensional materials. His work focuses on understanding how mechanical deformation influences the electrocatalytic properties of nanomaterials at both electronic and atomic scales. This includes investigating key electrochemical reactions such as the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), and carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO₂RR). By integrating solid mechanics, physics, and chemistry, he explores the potential of surface and interface engineering in enhancing catalytic performance. Dr. Pu is especially interested in transition metal chalcogenides, magnetic two-dimensional monolayers, and other emerging low-dimensional materials. His theoretical approach employs mechanical modeling, structural design, and strain engineering to modulate material properties for optimized functionality. This multidisciplinary focus aligns closely with current global priorities in renewable energy and environmental sustainability. Dr. Pu’s research not only contributes to fundamental scientific understanding but also holds practical implications for the development of advanced energy conversion technologies. His work is at the forefront of innovations aimed at improving the efficiency, durability, and scalability of electrocatalysts, making significant contributions to clean energy research and next-generation materials science.

Research Skills

Dr. Mingjie Pu possesses a robust and versatile set of research skills that span across mechanical modeling, theoretical simulations, and materials characterization. His expertise lies in applying solid mechanics principles to study and engineer electrocatalytic materials at the nano and atomic scales. He is highly skilled in first-principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, which he uses to predict and analyze the behavior of low-dimensional materials under various mechanical and chemical conditions. Dr. Pu is adept at designing strain-engineering frameworks to enhance catalytic performance, a skill that combines both theoretical insight and practical relevance. His research also involves surface/interface engineering and defect analysis in two-dimensional materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides. Additionally, he is proficient in structural design and flexoelectricity concepts, utilizing them to propose innovative pathways for energy conversion. Dr. Pu’s capability to interpret complex data and correlate it with experimental findings enhances the rigor and credibility of his work. His methodological precision and interdisciplinary fluency enable him to bridge the gap between fundamental science and applied engineering, making him a valuable contributor to advanced research in materials science and energy technology.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Mingjie Pu has been recognized for his academic excellence and research contributions through several prestigious awards and honors. During his doctoral studies at Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics (NUAA), he was named an “Advanced Individual in Scientific Research and Innovation” in 2022, reflecting his significant contributions to cutting-edge interdisciplinary research. In the same year, he was awarded the “Three Merits Graduate Student” honor, which recognizes excellence in academic performance, research productivity, and social engagement. Earlier in his academic career, he received the “National Scholarship for Master’s Students” from the Ministry of Education of the People’s Republic of China in 2018. This highly competitive scholarship is a testament to his strong academic standing and research potential at the national level. These accolades collectively underscore Dr. Pu’s dedication to innovation, scholarly rigor, and scientific advancement. They also highlight the impact of his research on both academic and practical fronts. Such recognition early in his career not only affirms his capabilities but also forecasts a trajectory of continued excellence and leadership in scientific research, especially in the areas of materials engineering and sustainable energy technologies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Mingjie Pu is a highly promising early-career researcher whose interdisciplinary work in mechano-electro-chemical coupling holds significant relevance for the development of advanced energy materials. His innovative approach integrates solid mechanics, theoretical modeling, and material science to address key challenges in electrocatalysis, particularly for reactions such as HER, OER, and CO₂RR. His scholarly output, including several high-impact journal publications, and his academic accolades position him as a rising star in the field. While expanding his international collaborations and engaging in major funded research projects would further strengthen his profile, his current contributions already reflect a depth of knowledge and a commitment to impactful science. Dr. Pu’s ability to combine theoretical insights with practical applications makes him not only a valuable asset to his institution but also a strong contender for competitive research awards. His work exemplifies the qualities of innovation, interdisciplinary integration, and scientific rigor that such honors are designed to recognize. Given his achievements to date and his potential for continued impact, Dr. Pu is a fitting nominee for the Best Researcher Award.

Publications Top Notes

• Title: Molecular dynamics and first-principles investigation of tribological behaviors of black phosphorus-coated substrates

• Authors: Pu, Mingjie; Hu, Rui; Liu, Lin

• Journal: Computational Materials Science

• Year: 2025