Yi Li, chair of the mathematics department and faculty member in applied mathematics and computational sciences, has dedicated his research to the study of nonlinear problems involving elliptic and parabolic equations.

Li has published over 70 peer-reviewed papers, and his findings have had real-world applications in the fields of mathematical physics, geometry, biomedical engineering, and medical research.  For example, he analyzed models for the transmission of an infectious disease in one- and two-host populations with and without self-regulation.

As an administrator, Li has contributed to the department’s efforts in the recruitment and mentoring of underrepresented graduate students.

“The mathematics department is one of the most stimulating places I have ever been,” Li said.