Yi-Ju Li

Yi-Ju Li is Professor of Biostatistics & Bioinformatics at Duke University, where she is also a Member of the Duke Molecular Physiology Institute and part of the Division of Integrative Genomics. Her academic journey at Duke includes progression from Assistant Professor to Associate Professor and now to her current position as full Professor since 2021.

Professor Li's research focuses on statistical genetics, particularly the development of statistical methods for understanding the genetic predisposition of human complex diseases. Her work encompasses family-based association methods for quantitative traits, detection of X-linked genes for disease risk, analysis of next generation sequencing data for rare variants, and applications in Alzheimer's disease, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and peri-operative genomic studies. She has made significant contributions to understanding the genetic basis of age-at-onset of Alzheimer disease and genetic risk factors for postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Her recent publications reveal a strong trend toward translational research with clinical applications, particularly in drug-induced liver injury, cardiovascular outcomes after surgery, and genetic risk factors for various conditions. Her work bridges statistical methodology development with practical applications in multiple disease areas, demonstrating versatility across hepatic, neurological, cardiovascular, and ophthalmological domains.

Professor Li serves as Co-Investigator on multiple significant research grants, including the Drug Induced Liver Injury Network Data Coordinating Center (NIH, 2003-2028), Proteomic Biomarkers Predicting Osteoarthritis Onset and Progression (DoD, 2025-2027), and Neurocognition & Greater Maintenance of Sinus Rhythm in AF (NIA, 2021-2026). Her grant portfolio spans multiple funding agencies including NIH, Department of Defense, and various institutes within NIH.

She is actively involved in the Duke Center for Statistical Genetics and Genomics, collaborating with researchers across multiple disciplines to advance genomic research methodologies and applications. Her work demonstrates strong interdisciplinary collaboration between biostatistics, medicine, and clinical research teams at Duke University.