For Lei Qiao, PhD ’01, a career in materials science has been shaped by curiosity, innovation and a commitment to turning research into real-world impact. Now Vice President of Technology at Axalta Coating Systems, she reflects on how Penn MSE’s academic rigor, interdisciplinary culture and close-knit community helped prepare her to grow from scientist to technology leader.
Current title: Vice President, Technology
Current role: Lead R&D and product development of coatings for automotive and commercial transportation industry
Current company/place of employment: Axalta Coating Systems / Philadelphia
Penn class year: 2001
Penn degree: PhD in Materials Science & Engineering
Why did you come to Penn to study MSE?
My interest in MSE was largely inspired by watching my dad work with microscopes and advanced structure characterization instruments when I was very young. That early exposure seemed to spark a lifelong fascination with the field. When I was looking at graduate programs in the US, I was attracted by MSE at UPenn largely due to the prestige reputation of the department and world-renowned professors. In particular our LRSM stood out as being recognized at the time as internationally renowned materials research hub for interdisciplinary materials research (integrating materials physics, chemistry and structural engineering together). Years later I appreciated even more how vital this was for a well-rounded graduate education.
How did your degree in MSE at Penn help you get to where you are today/help you in your current role?
My PhD experience at Penn truly laid the groundwork for my career, and it has had a lasting impact on the scientist and leader I am today. Over the years, my role has evolved significantly. I started as a scientist, developing innovative coatings for industrial and automotive applications. As time went on, I transitioned into technical leadership and eventually into people leadership, which brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. Through all these changes, the lessons from my MSE studies have remained invaluable.
The most profound impacts of my time at Penn were the academic discipline and rigor, which sharpened my critical thinking skills. The in-depth pursuit of research, with its fair share of trials and errors, taught me resilience and humility. And above all, the professors at MSE set high academic standards and offered diligent support, which shaped my approach to research, work, and communication. These experiences not only prepared me for the technical demands of my career but also helped me develop a mindset to guide my work and leadership.
What is your favorite memory from MSE at Penn and why?
One of the highlights was definitely the food trucks outside LRSM, especially around lunchtime and dinner. Around lunchtime and dinner, the aroma of cheesesteaks, Chinese stir-fries, and savory crepes would fill the air, and it was always a great time to chat with lab mates and wait for our turn. Another fond memory is playing foosball with my lab mates in LRSM after intense study sessions or long hours in the lab. We’d compete in singles and doubles, sharing plenty of laughs and friendly rivalry. It was a great way to relax and bond, and the sense of camaraderie was a precious memory from my graduate studies.
I also remember countless nights riding Penn’s door-to-door escort shuttles or even campus police patrol cars to get home safely after late nights in the lab or library working on papers. There was always a warm feeling of assurance knowing someone had your back, especially during the demanding PhD years. It was one of the most hardworking periods of my life, but I look back fondly and believe the experience was truly rewarding—no pain, no gain, as they say.
Do you have any words of advice for our current students?
The landscape of materials science and engineering is evolving rapidly, and the field is becoming increasingly multi-disciplinary and focused on translation to real-world solutions. This brings exciting opportunities but also challenges for PhD students. It’s essential not just to become a specialist in one area, but also to develop a broader understanding of adjacent fields. With the fast-paced advances in AI, being “bilingually” skilled—combining expertise in traditional materials science with proficiency in digital tools and analytics—is quickly becoming not just an advantage, but a necessity.
No matter how the field changes, curiosity, critical thinking, the ability to learn quickly, and effective networking remain fundamental skills in my opinion. These qualities will prepare students to thrive in the dynamic environment ahead and open doors to new possibilities throughout their careers.