Lingjun Li

Lingjun Li is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she leads a multidisciplinary research program at the intersection of analytical chemistry, neuroscience, and biomedical discovery. Her work is centered in the School of Pharmacy and spans the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Department of Chemistry.

Education:

• B.E., 1992 – Beijing Polytechnic University (China)
• Ph.D., 2000 – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
• Postdoctoral Fellow, 2000–2002 – Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Brandeis University, and University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Research Focus: Professor Li’s laboratory pioneers bioanalytical mass spectrometry and microseparation technologies to decode the neuropeptidome—the complex landscape of signaling peptides in the nervous system. By integrating chemical labeling, capillary electrophoresis, nanoLC, and tandem MS, her team uncovers novel neuropeptides in crustacean models and translates these findings to mammalian systems, including Alzheimer’s disease biomarker discovery, neuroprotective astrocyte secretomes, and zebrafish cardiotoxicity.

Publication Trends: From 2023–2025, her group has published extensively on neuropeptide identification, post-translational modifications, mass spectrometry imaging, and quantitative proteomics, with a strong emphasis on methodological innovation (e.g., EndoGenius, TEMI, DiLeu labeling) and disease-relevant applications in cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders.

Scientific Awards: While specific awards are not listed in the provided text, her prolific publication record and leadership in analytical chemistry underscore significant recognition within the field.

Collaborations & Funding: Her research is bolstered by interdisciplinary collaborations across neurobiology, bioinformatics, and clinical sciences, supported by grants that drive technological advancement and biological discovery.

Laboratory & Team: The Li Group operates a state-of-the-art facility for mass spectrometry and microfluidics, fostering a collaborative environment for graduate students, postdocs, and visiting scholars.