Dr. Cui joined Iowa State University in July 2015. He also holds a Faculty Scientist position at Ames National Laboratory. His research focuses on ferroic materials including ferromagnetic, ferroelectric and ferroelastic for energy efficient and renewable energy applications. Example projects include magnetocaloric materials for hydrogen liquefaction, permanent magnets and electrical steel for EV motor applications, shape memory metal for heat pump applications, etc.

He also plays a major role in the field of combinatorial materials science by pioneer various high throughput bulk materials synthesis and characterization method. Before he joined ISU, he worked for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory from 2010 to 2015 and GE Global Research Center from 2005 to 2010. Dr. Cui has 10 patents granted, 101 peer reviewed papers and 18 conference papers and technical reports.