Spotlight in SWE
This segment seeks to spotlight a member of Yale SWE community and share their story.
This week, we are following Professor Mengxia Liu, an Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Her research focuses on developing the next generation of optoelectronic devices.
What inspired you to pursue engineering?
I love solving problems and applying scientific knowledge to real-world challenges.
What is your research focus?
My research focuses on advancing optical and electronic materials for next-generation sensing, computing, and energy applications. Currently, my lab develops chiral materials for geometric deep optical sensing, colloidal nanocrystals for infrared light detection and emission, as well as multiferroic semiconductors for advanced electronics and spintronics. Using cutting-edge spectroscopies, we explore the fundamental physical properties of materials, and leverage these insights to enable novel device concepts and push device performance to the limit.
What has your experience as an assistant professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) department been like so far?
I have really enjoyed teaching and working with students, both in the classroom and through research projects. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students develop their curiosity, skills, and confidence in tackling complex problems. The support and resources available within and beyond the ECE department has also been instrumental in shaping my early career. Balancing research, teaching, mentorship, and fundraising has been both challenging and fulfilling, and I look forward to continuing to grow in this role.
What advice would you give to young women engineers?
Stay confident and be passionate about your work. I have seen many incredible women engineers and scientists across disciplines making significant contributions and driving innovation. Don’t hesitate to voice your ideas and embrace challenges—your perspective is valuable. While the field may not always have equal representation, trust that you will build your own network over time. Most importantly, be yourself; success in engineering doesn’t require fitting into a predefined mold.
We believe stories of women engineers from all career stages are important!
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