Yanfen Li

Yanfen Li, Ph.D. serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering within the Francis College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. Her dual appointment includes the Center for Pathogen Research and Training (CPRT), reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to biomedical challenges.

Her educational background includes a Ph.D. in Bioengineering (2018) and a B.S. in Bioengineering (2012), both from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Her doctoral research focused on Engineered hydrogels for tracking cell signaling from the outside-in.

Dr. Li's research spans three interconnected domains: Tissue Engineering & Biomaterials (investigating cellular responses to engineered microenvironments), Engineering Education (developing innovative pedagogical strategies), and Diversity Initiatives (focusing on recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups). Her work frequently employs quantitative phase imaging and microfabrication techniques to study cell-matrix interactions while simultaneously addressing systemic barriers in engineering education.

Analysis of her publication record reveals a strategic progression from fundamental biomaterials research (2015-2018) toward increasingly sophisticated education-focused studies (2019-2021), particularly examining faculty-student dynamics and remote learning adaptations. Her recent work demonstrates strong methodological rigor in psychometric validation and program evaluation.

• Award for Excellence in Innovative Teaching (2021)
• Biomedical Engineering Teaching Award (2021)
• Multiple Teaching Excellence Awards (2019, 2021)
• ASEE Division Best Poster & Travel Awards (2017)
• UIUC Teaching Excellence Fellowship (2016)
• Mavis Future Faculty Fellowship (2016)

Dr. Li leads the NSF-funded project Fostering Future Engineering Faculty Diversity by Building a Pipeline to Graduate Programs (2021), serving as Principal Investigator with co-PIs Sherwood, Chandra, Hsu, and Uy. Her educational grants consistently target systemic interventions for underrepresented minorities, particularly through first-year experience programs and workforce development initiatives. She previously held an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship (2013) during her doctoral studies.

Her laboratory work integrates the Center for Pathogen Research and Training with bioengineering education innovation, creating unique opportunities for students to engage in pathogen-related research while developing pedagogical leadership skills through structured mentoring programs.