Our Team

Dr. Li received her Ph.D. in 2001 from the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing. She then completed postdoctoral training in the laboratories of Drs. David Ong and Neil Bhowmick at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tenn. Dr. Li was appointed as a research assistant professor in Vanderbilt’s Department of Cancer Biology in 2009 and was mentored by Dr. Lynn Matrisian. She joined Van Andel Institute as an assistant professor in Sep 2012. In Jul 2020, Dr. Li joined UT as an associate professor.

Shang is from Jilin Province, China. He got his PhD and BS degrees from the School of Life Sciences at Tsinghua University, China. After a short dip into the biotech industry, he realized he was more enthusiastic about basic scientific research. Shang came to the US and joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s group as a post-doc in May 2019. He was promoted to Research Assistant Professor in Jul 2023 and Adjunct Assistant Professor in Aug 2024 at UT.

Shubhra is from Barishal, Bangladesh. He earned his Bachelor of Pharmacy from Khulna University, Bangladesh. Shubhra joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s lab as a volunteer in Aug 2021 and officially joined Li lab as a PhD student in May 2023.

Augustine is from Kumasi in the Republic of Ghana. He earned his B.Sc. Biomedical Sciences from the University of Cape Coast. He joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s lab as a rotation PhD student in Jan 2023 and officially joined Li lab in May 2023.

Prisca is from Imo, Nigeria. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Madonna University Nigeria, and her master’s degree from the University of Lagos Nigeria. Prisca started rotation from Jan 16 to Mar 01 and officially joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s lab as a PhD student in May 2024.

Min Tang is from Chongqing, China. He obtained both his Master's and MD degrees from Chongqing Medical University. Through ten years of clinical practice, he gradually realized the importance of fundamental research in cancer treatment. In February 2025, Min joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s lab as a post-doctoral fellow.

Arpona Hira is originally from Bagerhat, Bangladesh. She earned her Bachelor of Pharmacy and Master of Pharmacy degrees from Khulna University, Bangladesh. She then gained nearly three years of experience at Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Continuing her academic journey, she obtained a Master of Science in Chemistry from Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from the University of Toledo. In February 2025, Arpona joined Dr. Xiaohong Li’s lab to meet her passion and new scientific journey in cancer biology research.

Our next Rocket in the lab! We are looking forward to your amazing show!!!