Xiaomei obtained her PhD in materials science & engineering from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where she developed a strong interest in the development of materials for sustainable energy applications and green chemistry. Her research at NTU focused on the development of inorganic ceramic materials, specifically shape memory ceramics as smart functional materials for energy damping applications. At Caltech, Xiaomei worked with Professor Katherine Faber to design new electrolytes for solid state lithium ion batteries. Her research aimed to enhance the mechanical reliability and electrochemical performance of these batteries through exploration of suitable composite agents.