Dr. Rui Li is a Research Assistant Professor at Iowa State University, specializing in the interaction between the human body and the environment through clothing systems, with a focus on the development and evaluation of personal protective equipment (PPE). He earned his Ph.D. in Apparel Merchandising and Design from Iowa State University, where he now leads initiatives to design innovative testing devices, develop advanced thermoregulation models for human extremities, and explore smoke contamination mechanisms in PPE. Dr. Li's work is crucial in establishing new testing standards and enhancing the safety, comfort, and functionality of PPE for professions such as firefighting and healthcare. His influential research, supported by significant grants from organizations like FEMA, has significantly advanced textile science, improving occupational safety and public health. Dr. Li's educational background and current academic contributions continue to shape the future of protective clothing design and safety standards.