Assoc Prof Dr. Qian LI | Marine Biology | Best Researcher Award

Professor | Shanghai Jiao Tong University | China

Strengths for the Award

1. Research Impact and Innovation
Dr. Qian Li has made significant contributions to marine science, particularly in understanding marine microorganisms’ ecological and biogeochemical roles. Her research on mixotrophic eukaryotes, phytoplankton responses to climate change, and marine carbon dioxide removal has advanced our knowledge of marine ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes. Publications such as “Prevalence and Preferred Niche of Small Eukaryotes with Mixotrophic Potentials in the Global Ocean” (2024) highlight her cutting-edge work and innovative approaches in marine biology.

2. Academic and Professional Excellence
Dr. Li’s academic credentials are impressive, with a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and postdoctoral experiences at prestigious institutions, including the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the University of Amsterdam. Her dual roles as a researcher at the University of Hawai‘i and a tenure-track Associate Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University reflect her commitment to both research and education.

3. Publication Record
Dr. Li’s publication record is robust, including 14 publications with 7 as first author. Notable journals such as ISME Journal and Limnology and Oceanography demonstrate her work’s quality and impact. The prominence of her work is further evidenced by her extensive citation record, which underscores her influence in the field.

4. Funded Research and Grants
Dr. Li has successfully secured significant funding for her research, including grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China. Her ability to attract funding indicates the high regard in which her research is held and the practical implications of her work in marine science.

5. Teaching and Mentoring
Dr. Li’s teaching roles at both Shanghai Jiao Tong University and the University of Hawai‘i reflect her dedication to education. Her mentoring of graduate and undergraduate students highlights her commitment to developing the next generation of marine scientists.

Short Bio

Dr. Qian (Lydia) Li is a Tenure-Track Associate Professor at the School of Oceanography, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), and a Researcher at the School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Her research focuses on the ecological and biogeochemical roles of marine microorganisms, particularly their trophic interactions and responses to climate change. She is dedicated to advancing solutions for marine carbon dioxide removal.

Profile

Orcid

Education

Dr. Li completed her Ph.D. in Environmental Science at Xiamen University, China, in July 2015, with a 16-month exchange program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She earned her B.Sc. in Environmental Science from Yantai University, China, in June 2008.

Experience

Dr. Li has held several academic positions: she is currently a Tenure-Track Associate Professor at SJTU and a Researcher at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. She served as a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at SJTU from January 2021 to December 2022. Her postdoctoral research included roles at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and the University of Amsterdam.

Research Interest

Dr. Li’s research delves into the ecological and biogeochemical implications of marine microorganisms’ functions, with a focus on their trophic modes and biotic interactions. She also investigates biological responses to climate change and the development of marine carbon dioxide removal solutions.

Awards

• 2021 State-Level Talent Award: Awarded by the Shanghai Municipal Committee of Science and Technology, recognizing her contributions to marine science.

Publications

Dong K.Y., Wang Y., Zhang W.J., and Li Q. (2024). Prevalence and Preferred Niche of Small Eukaryotes with Mixotrophic Potentials in the Global Ocean. Microorganisms, 12: 750.

Li Q., Edwards K. F., Schvarcz C. R. and Steward G. F. (2022). Broad phylogenetic and functional diversity among mixotrophic consumers of Prochlorococcus. ISME Journal.

Li Q., Edwards K. F., Schvarcz C. R., Selph K. E. and Steward G. F. (2021). Plasticity in the Grazing Ecophysiology of Florenciella (Dictyochophyceae). Limnology and Oceanography, 66: 47-60.

Conclusion

Dr. Qian Li’s distinguished career in marine science, marked by innovative research, substantial publications, and successful funding, makes her an outstanding candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her work has significantly advanced our understanding of marine microorganisms and their ecological roles, contributing to both scientific knowledge and practical environmental solutions. Addressing areas for improvement, such as expanding collaborative networks and enhancing public engagement, could further elevate her already impressive achievements. Overall, Dr. Li’s dedication to marine science, coupled with her impactful research and educational contributions, makes her a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.