The 2021 Technologist of the Year, Mei Cai, is a leading scientist at General Motors Research and Development, specializing in battery materials discovery and battery cell manufacturing.
Mei's work has been instrumental in developing advanced energy storage materials, including lithium-ion and advanced battery chemistries, fuel cells, hydrogen and compressed natural gas storage, and battery charging and hydrogen production technologies.
She has played a key role in the development of GM's Ultium battery chemistry, which will power vehicles like the GMC Hummer EV and the Cadillac Lyriq.
Mei and her team have also contributed to the development of lithium-metal batteries, which could be used in next-generation Ultium cells, enabling GM to increase the energy capacity of its electric vehicles.
Mei and her team have secured numerous patents in this technology area, including technologies related to the battery pack for the Chevrolet Bolt EV's rechargeable energy storage system (RESS).
Their innovations have led to a structurally integrated RESS that can withstand vehicle use and abuse conditions, as well as a compact cooling system that improves energy efficiency and simplifies the manufacturing process.
Other patented technologies include various polymers for improved heating, cooling, and liquid leakage control within the battery pack, and an on-demand natural gas process that maximizes natural gas use in vehicles powered by natural gas.
Mei is a member of several professional organizations, including the Materials Research Society, Detroit Engineer Association, and the Electrochemical Society.
"I came to this country close to 30 years ago as a spouse," she said. "I had to learn English here and prepare for graduate school testing," Mei recalls having several culture shocks, now fully integrated into the American way of life.
After her husband transferred to the University of Michigan, Mei pursued a master's in bioengineering at Wayne State University.
She continued to pursue her childhood dream of making artificial organs, investing every extra penny into her tuition.
Despite struggling with English, Mei found solace in the universal language of mathematics. She was recommended for a teaching assistant position and later landed an internship at GM, where she collected data on cabin air quality in Cadillacs.
Mei shared her belief that people should step out of their comfort zones and seek new opportunities, set the right expectations, and always be prepared. She encouraged aiming high and seizing opportunities as they arise.
