Yi Li

Yi Li is a Professor of Horticultural Plant Biotechnology at the University of Connecticut's College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources (CAHNR). Holding a PhD in Plant Physiology & Biochemistry from SUNY and a BS in Forestry from Beijing Forestry University, he leads research programs focused on horticultural plant improvement through mutation breeding, gene-editing, and transgenic technologies.

• PhD, 1989, Plant Physiology & Biochemistry, Department of Biology, SUNY
• BS, 1982, Forestry, Department of Forestry, Beijing Forestry University

His work spans plant breeding technology development (transgene-free gene editing, genetic transformation, nanoparticle-mediated delivery) and applied species improvement for Turf Grasses (with traits like minimal mowing and reduced resource needs) and Burning Bush (non-invasive varieties). The lab has developed biotechnologies adopted in seven textbooks and commercialized as CRISPR innovations.

Article trends show expertise in atomic layer deposition (ALD) for semiconductor synthesis, including III-nitride films, noble metal coatings, and oxide semiconductors for applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, and environmental sensing. Keywords include materials science, nanotechnology, and thin film engineering.

• Excellence in Research Award of CAHNR, University of Connecticut
• Elected Fellow of American Society of Horticultural Sciences

With $12 million in research grants and 170+ invited lectures, he serves on panels for NIH, NASA, DOE, USDA, and NSF. He founded the New England Invasive Plant Center and contributes as associate editor to four journals.