Bailian Li

Bailian Li is a Professor at the Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources, North Carolina State University, within the College of Natural Resources. He holds a B.S. from Beijing Forestry University (1982), and M.S. and Ph.D. from NC State (1985, 1989). His research focuses on forest genetics and breeding, quantitative and population genetics, and genetic studies of tree physiology and molecular biology.

Key research areas include breeding strategy development, genetic data analysis, and genetic influences on tree physiology. His work integrates molecular genetics with field-based studies, particularly in Populus and pine species. Recent studies explore pseudogene evolution, polyploid effects on tree physiology, and miRNA interactions regulating plant growth.

Dr. Li has secured grants totaling over $2 million, including the Confucius Institute at NC State (2006–2021) and multiple Peace Corps recruitment grants. His research on loblolly pine wood properties and association genetics of complex traits in pine has advanced genetic improvement strategies for forest plantations.

He is affiliated with the NCSU-Industry Cooperative Tree Improvement Program (ICTIP) and collaborates with the USDA Forest Service. His work bridges fundamental genetics with applied tree breeding, emphasizing genetic variation and trait improvement in forest resources.