See the people, processes, and equipment fueling Li’s internationally recognized research program
By Jill Sakai
The Li Research Group has discovered more than 300 novel neuropeptides, been featured on the cover of more than 20 scientific journals, and produced hundreds of publications helping the scientific community to build their understanding of lipids, peptides, proteins, and other molecules in the context of cancer, neurodegenerative disease, and more.
This highly productive lab is run by Professor Lingjun Li, Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor and Charles Melbourne Johnson Distinguished Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy. Li, who is also a professor with the UW Department of Chemistry and mentors Chemistry, Biophysics, and Pharmaceutical Sciences graduate students, has been named one of the world’s most influential analytical scientists three times.
With a strong background in analytical chemistry and neuroscience, she built a research program centered around discovering the surprisingly extensive array of small signaling molecules called neuropeptides in the nervous system, and analyzing their roles in behavior and health.
“Our lab uses bioanalytical chemistry to address challenges in basic and biomedical research,” Li says.
So what does this field-leading work look like? Let’s take a look at the Li Research Group in action.