معرفی
Fei Li serves as Professor of Biology in the Department of Biology at New York University's College of Arts and Science, where she leads an active research program investigating epigenetic regulation of heterochromatin and centromeres using fission yeast (Schizosaccharomyces pombe) as a primary model system. Her work bridges fundamental chromatin biology with implications for cancer and human disease through interdisciplinary approaches combining genetics, biochemistry, and genomics.
Her academic training includes:
- Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from The University of Texas at Austin
- M.S. in Biology from the University of Louisiana at Monroe
- B.S. in Biology from Sichuan University, China
Dr. Li's research centers on epigenetic mechanisms governing heterochromatin formation and centromere identity, with particular focus on how histone modifications, RNA interference, and protein complexes establish heritable epigenetic states. Her laboratory employs cutting-edge techniques including cryo-EM, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and advanced microscopy to dissect the molecular machinery controlling chromosome segregation and gene silencing, revealing conserved principles relevant to human disease pathogenesis. This work has positioned her as a leader in understanding how epigenetic dysregulation contributes to cancer development.
Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2019-2025) reveals evolving research trajectories: early work established foundational mechanisms of heterochromatin assembly through RNAi and histone deacetylation, while recent studies have expanded into phase separation phenomena, spatial chromatin organization, and cross-species applications including plant ion channels and mammalian aging clocks. Her publications consistently demonstrate technical innovation, particularly in structural biology approaches applied to epigenetic complexes, with increasing translational relevance to aging and disease mechanisms.
Her scientific recognition includes:
- Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences (2013)
- Memorial Research Scholarship from The University of Texas at Austin (2002)
Dr. Li maintains an active mentoring program with current post-doctoral and research assistant positions available in her NYU laboratory. Her research program is supported by competitive grants including the Pew Biomedical Scholars Award, enabling multidisciplinary investigations that integrate genetic, biochemical, and genomic approaches to epigenetic questions. She has established collaborative networks spanning molecular biology, structural biology, and translational medicine fields.
Her research infrastructure includes a dedicated laboratory in NYU's Brown Building equipped for advanced genetic manipulation, live-cell imaging, chromatin biochemistry, and next-generation sequencing, facilitating comprehensive analysis of epigenetic mechanisms from molecular to organismal levels.
