PNNL

Zihao Li joined PNNL in 2022 as a Post Doctorate RA, working with Carlos Fernandez in the Subsurface Science Group. Previous to joining PNNL, he worked as a postdoctoral associate at Cornell University, and received his Ph.D. degree in mining engineering at Virginia Tech. Dr. Li has research efforts focusing primarily on geofluids and geomaterials property characterization and analysis in the subsurface using laboratory experiment and AI/ML-based numerical modeling. His expertise includes geomechanics, petrophysics, cementitious materials, flow in porous media, and microfluidics. As of 2025, Dr. Li has 21 peer-reviewed journal papers (H Index 12), a book chapter, a patent application, and serve as a reviewer for more than 20 academic journals, conferences, and funding proposals.

• Geomechanics and petrophysics in conventional and unconventional georeservoirs (geothermal, shale, sandstone, etc.)
• Geostatistics and AI/ML-based application in geological formation properties prediction
• Multiphysics/multiscale flow in tight porous media modeling and experimentation
• Self-healing and low-carbon cementitious materials for regular and extreme conditions
• Geomaterials and geofluids coupling under subsurface conditions
• Microfluidics fabrication and application for high-temperature and critical minerals/materials
• Mineral crystallization and reactive transport in the subsurface conditions

• Ph.D. in Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2021
• Master in Science in Mining & Minerals Engineering, Virginia Tech, 2018
• Master in Science in Petroleum Engineering, China University of Petroleum (Beijing), 2016
• Bachelor in Science in Geographic Information System (GIS), China University of Petroleum (East China), 2013